Energy Department promotes Victor Der

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- The U. S. Department of Energy announced the appointment of Victor Der as its principal deputy assistant secretary for fossil energy.

"Victor Der has played a vital role in developing and implementing initiatives in the Office of Fossil Energy," said James Slutz, acting assistant secretary of fossil energy. "His years of experience and knowledge will continue to ensure our fossil energy programs realize their full potential."

Officials said Der's new duties will include oversight of the Office of Fossil Energy's research and development program and the U.S. Petroleum Reserves.

Der, who has worked in the Department of Energy for 35 years, most recently was the department's deputy assistant secretary for clean coal.