WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after President-elect Joe Biden named several key members of his incoming environment, energy, and conservation team, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior & Environment, applauded the announcement, noting it demonstrates a commitment to environmental protection, clean energy, and confronting climate change.

President-elect Biden’s nominations and selections include: Michael Regan as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM) as Secretary of the interior; Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm as Secretary of Energy; Former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy as White House Climate Coordinator; Brenda Mallory as Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ); and Ali Zaidi as Deputy National Climate Advisor.

Senator Reed stated:

“This is a historic and forward-looking slate of environmental and energy leaders. President-elect Biden promised a cabinet that would reflect the diversity of America, and these selections honor that commitment, including Congresswoman Haaland, who would be the first Native American in history to serve as a cabinet secretary.

“Too often under the Trump Administration, cabinet officials were selected to run departments and agencies that they sought to undermine.  This slate of picks is the opposite: highly-qualified men and women who are committed to upholding the important missions of these agencies.

“President-elect Biden’s selections demonstrate a strong commitment to combating climate change, promoting conservation, clean energy, and environmental justice, and restoring environmental protections.  These key Cabinet and senior administration officials come from diverse backgrounds but share a wealth of experience.  All of them are effective leaders with proven track records when it comes to clean air, clean water, energy efficiency, and tackling climate change.  I look forward to working with each of these individuals to undo the damage of the last four years and help safeguard our environment and strengthen our economy.”