WASHINGTON (December 22, 2020)—President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have announced the creation of a new White House domestic climate policy coordinator position, along with their nominees for a number of positions critical to creating and implementing climate policy. The announcement of this team demonstrates that the Biden administration will give climate change the high priority it demands, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
Below is a statement by Ken Kimmell, president of UCS.
“The Union of Concerned Scientists is excited to see the Biden administration’s announcement of a domestic climate team. The appointment of Gina McCarthy to coordinate domestic climate efforts signals that this administration plans to marshal the resources of multiple agencies to jumpstart climate action. McCarthy is grounded in the science of climate change. She has a strong and pragmatic vision and a commitment to just and equitable climate solutions.
“In nominating Michael Regan to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, Jennifer Granholm for the Department of Energy, Pete Buttigieg for Department of Transportation, Deb Haaland for Department of the Interior, and Brenda Mallory for the Council on Environmental Quality, President-elect Biden has assembled a very qualified and deeply experienced team that reflects the diversity of America.
“These are good steps in what we hope will be an ambitious effort to advance climate solutions and environmental justice, and rebuild a healthier and stronger economy for all our communities. We will follow the work of this team closely and advocate to make sure their work reflects science, the public interest and the urgent demands of at-risk communities.”