The U.S. State Department announced Wednesday that it has appointed Amos Hochstein as special envoy and coordinator for international energy affairs. "Mr. Hochstein has been acting in this capacity since August 1, 2014," the State Department said in a statement. "The Special Envoy oversees U.S. foreign policy engagement in the critical intersection of energy and national security, advises the Secretary on global energy security and diplomacy, and promotes U.S. interests to ensure energy resources are used to increase economic opportunity, stability and prosperity around the world. The Special Envoy also advises the Secretary on U.S. strategy to advance global integration of renewable and clean energy sources," the statement said.