TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today announced Eric Miller as the Executive Director of the New Jersey Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy with Policy Advisor Preethy Thangaraj now serving as Deputy Director. Miller’s appointment follows the departure of Catherine Klinger who most recently served as the Executive Director of the Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy.

“I am thrilled to announce Eric Miller as our new Executive Director of the Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy,” said Governor Murphy. “Eric is a passionate advocate who has initiated high-impact policies across clean energy, building electrification, and transportation. I am confident in Eric’s leadership, and I want to thank outgoing Executive Director Catherine Klinger for her notable contributions to this team and to the state.”

“I am also proud to announce that Preethy Thangaraj will serve as our new Deputy Director of the Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy,” continued Governor Murphy. “Preethy has served this Administration and the people of New Jersey by supporting clean energy policies, addressing sustainability, and helping to combat the climate crisis. Under Eric’s leadership, I look forward to watching the Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy continue their critical work in building a stronger, fairer, and greener Garden State.”

“I am honored to serve Governor Murphy’s Administration as he continues to advance his bold environmental and clean energy agenda to improve the lives of all New Jerseyans and combat climate change,” said Eric Miller, incoming Executive Director of the Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy. “I thank the Governor for this opportunity, and look forward to collaborating with our State agencies and partners across the state to achieve lasting climate and energy solutions that protect the environment while at the same time growing the State’s green economy and workforce.”

“Governor Murphy has taken major actions to address the worst impacts of climate change and accelerate New Jersey’s transition to an affordable and accessible 100% clean energy future,” said Preethy Thangaraj, incoming Deputy Director of the Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy. “I look forward to continuing the responsibility of cementing New Jersey’s climate leadership by delivering on urgent and high-impact climate policies, just environmental planning, and a robust green economy. I thank the Governor for this expanded opportunity.” 

As Executive Director of the Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy, Eric Miller will oversee the environment and energy policy portfolio, leading work on the Governor’s clean energy, environmental justice, and climate resiliency agenda, among other key initiatives. Prior to this role, Miller served as the New Jersey Energy Policy Director for the Natural Resources Defense Council where he worked to develop and advance clean energy, buildings, and transportation policy in the state of New Jersey. Miller grew up in Essex County and received his Bachelor of Science in Resource Economics from the University of Connecticut and his Juris Doctor from Villanova University School of Law.

As Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy, Preethy will continue to advance the Administration’s clean energy and sustainability goals while building towards a greener economy. Preethy initially joined the Governor’s Office in 2021 supporting the energy, environment, and transportation portfolio. Prior to serving in the Administration, she worked as an Energy Informatics and Policy Research Specialist at Rutgers University, focusing on climate action and mitigation policies, wholesale electricity, the bioeconomy, and sustainable development, among other key initiatives. While at the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, she also worked at the Rutgers Energy Institute, supporting academic leaders in energy planning, policy, and engineering. Preethy grew up in Middlesex County and is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and Rutgers-Bloustein.