GOVERNMENT OF PUERTO RICO

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H. R. 774

AUGUST 17, 2026

Introduced by Representatives Méndez Nuñez and Aponte Hernández

Referred to the Committee on Internal Affairs

RESOLUTION

To express the sincerest congratulations and recognition of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico to geologist Kimberly Sams Gray upon her having been duly elected Secretary and Executive Director of the Southern States Energy Board (SSEB), and to wish her success in carrying out her new responsibilities.

STATEMENT OF MOTIVES

The Southern States Energy Board (SSEB) is a forum for cooperation among states and territories of the southern United States, including Puerto Rico. Its mission calls for executive leadership capable of articulating the priorities of diverse jurisdictions, managing resources rigorously, and advancing energy and environmental policies responsive to the needs of its members.

As part of an orderly succession process, the SSEB Board elected Kimberly Sams Gray to serve as Secretary and Executive Director. Her election recognizes thirty-two years of service within the organization and the confidence placed in her ability to carry forward its institutional mission.

Gray began her career with the SSEB in 1993 and assumed positions of increasing responsibility in operations, programs, geoscience, and management, ultimately becoming Deputy Director. As the Secretary and Executive Director's principal deputy, she participated in strategic planning, financial administration, member relations, and the supervision of multidisciplinary teams.

Throughout her career, she has contributed to developing, securing, and managing a cumulative portfolio of initiatives exceeding one billion dollars. Among her notable accomplishments is her role as co-principal investigator of the Southeast Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership, an effort spanning more than twenty years and exceeding four hundred million dollars that achieved pioneering milestones in carbon capture, transport, and storage.

Her training as a geologist, together with her experience in public policy, project management, and intergovernmental collaboration, has enabled her to build relationships of trust with governors, legislators, regulators, federal agencies, universities, and industry. This combination of technical expertise and dedication to public service makes her ideally suited to lead the SSEB.

For Puerto Rico, her election represents an opportunity to strengthen collaboration on energy security, resilience, innovation, and development. This House trusts that her leadership will recognize the realities of the member territories and keep avenues for participation and collaborative work open.

Accordingly, the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico is honored to congratulate Kimberly Sams Gray on her election and extend its best wishes as she undertakes this important responsibility. Her experience, discipline, and commitment to the responsible administration of public resources promise a period of continuity and renewal for the SSEB and its members.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF PUERTO RICO:

Section 1.- To congratulate and recognize geologist Kimberly Sams Gray upon being duly elected Secretary and Executive Director of the Southern States Energy Board.

Section 2.- To express this House's confidence that her leadership will strengthen cooperation among the members of the SSEB and continue to promote Puerto Rico's effective participation in its work.

Section 3.- A copy of this Resolution, in scroll form, shall be presented to Kimberly Sams Gray as a testament to this House's recognition and congratulations.

Section 4.- This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its approval.