Montana Tech alum Kyle Haustveit confirmed as U.S. Department of Energy assistant secretary

Photo courtesy of Office of Fossil Energy

Montana Technological University alumnus Kyle Haustveit has been confirmed as the 16th assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy (FE). The confirmation, announced September 18, 2025, places Haustveit at the helm of FE and the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), where he will oversee a $5 billion research and development portfolio spanning coal, oil, natural gas, and critical minerals. His work will focus on advancing affordable, reliable energy solutions for the nation.

“We are incredibly proud to see Montana Tech alumnus Kyle Haustveit appointed as the 16th assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy,” Montana Tech Foundation CEO Jaime Heppler said. “I can’t think of a more deserving, respected, and well-prepared leader to serve in this role. Kyle’s appointment is a testament not only to his talent and commitment to the energy industry but also to the caliber of Montana Tech graduates who go on to make an impact on a national and global scale.”

Haustveit is a 2013 graduate of Montana Tech with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering. He also holds an MBA in energy from the University of Oklahoma. He brings extensive industry expertise to his new role, having served as a petroleum engineer in a range of technical and leadership positions at Devon Energy.

Throughout his career, Haustveit has led teams that pioneered diagnostic techniques now used worldwide to improve hydraulic fracturing and resource development. He later directed Devon Energy’s Energy Ventures team, driving investments in emerging technologies such as geothermal, carbon utilization, lithium extraction, and produced water treatment.

A native of North Dakota and a third-generation energy worker, Haustveit maintains strong ties to both the energy and agriculture sectors.