Press Releases

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who is expected to chair Congress’ Joint Economic Committee in the 117^th Congress and who serves as co-chair of the Congressional Safe Climate Caucus and as co-Chair of the New Democrat Coalition’s Climate Change Task Force, issued the following statement today on the announcement of President-elect Biden’s appointments for key environmental positions in his administration:

“President-elect Biden’s environmental appointments pull together an experienced, seasoned, and historic set of committed public servants. This barrier-breaking environmental team is perfectly suited to address the climate crisis, fight for environmental justice, and work to restore clean air and water protections. The environmental challenges facing our country are grave and urgent, and all of these nominees are ready to meet the moment and help our country build back better.

“After four years of endless giveaways to industry and deregulation that prioritized the bottom lines of polluters, these diverse and accomplished leaders will put the health and safety of the American people first. I am especially thrilled by the selection of my colleague Deb Haaland, who it has been a joy to get to know, to become the first Native American cabinet secretary at the Department of the Interior, where I predict she will impress people quickly. These appointees are highly qualified, and deserve swift hearings and confirmations.”

President-elect Biden’s environmental appointments announced today include Rep. Deb Haaland to serve as Secretary of the Interior, former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to serve as Secretary of Energy, North Carolina Secretary of Environmental Quality Michael Regan to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, former CEQ General Counsel Brenda Mallory to serve as Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to serve as National Climate Advisor, and New York Climate Policy Chair Ali Zaidi to serve as Deputy National Climate Advisor.