The State Department may soon have a new official who promotes international energy and minerals deals.
Jacob Helberg will face questions from members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday as he seeks confirmation as undersecretary of State for economic growth, energy and the environment.
Helberg, who has a reputation as a technologist and a China hawk, would enter the department as it’s undergoing a major restructuring. If confirmed, he would oversee the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, which has been gutted of its climate work. He would also lead the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs.
That office is absorbing some staffers from the Bureau of Energy Resources, which is slated for elimination. The staff being brought over is largely focused on supply chains and critical minerals, a priority area for President Donald Trump.
