In a notable development today, the United States Senate has officially appointed Katherine Scarlett as the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). In this capacity, she is expected to serve as an advisor to President Trump, spearheading initiatives designed to enhance environmental quality while overseeing the implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Her role will be pivotal in streamlining environmental reviews and permitting processes across the federal government, all while promoting the economic prosperity and energy security that the American populace desires.
“I am immensely thankful to President Trump for this opportunity to lead the Council on Environmental Quality,” Scarlett remarked. “My commitment is to utilize our nation’s environmental policies and innovative technologies to drive economic growth, ensuring that all Americans have access to clean air, water, and land.”
Katherine Scarlett, who brings years of experience at the crossroads of environmental policy and infrastructure permitting, has garnered significant backing from various sectors within government and industry:
American Exploration & Production Council
“The Council on Environmental Quality has made substantial strides in rationalizing the permitting process under President Trump. We congratulate Katherine Scarlett on her confirmation and look forward to collaborating with her to further enhance smart, effective reforms in environmental reviews across agencies, which are crucial for unleashing American energy and stimulating economic growth,” stated Anne Bradbury, CEO of the American Exploration & Production Council.
America First Policy Institute
“We believe Ms. Scarlett’s prior experience on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, the White House Permitting Council, and as CEQ’s Chief of Staff demonstrates her dedication to providing Americans with clean air, water, and land by streamlining environmental reviews and dismantling burdensome regulations that impede growth and prosperity,” they remarked.
American Petroleum Institute
“With her extensive policy background and a proven track record of collaboration across government and industry, Katherine Scarlett is exceptionally equipped to lead the CEQ. Her pragmatic, results-oriented approach is essential to advancing balanced policies that align with President Trump’s energy dominance agenda and enacting the permitting reforms necessary to unlock America’s full potential,” said Kristin Whitman, Senior Vice President of Federal Relations at the American Petroleum Institute.
American Wildlife Conservation Partners
“Throughout her public service, Scarlett has shown a strong grasp of the significance of conserving wildlife habitats, enhancing public land access, and ensuring that federal environmental policies resonate with the priorities of sportsmen and women. Her leadership will be crucial in maintaining CEQ’s role as a fair and effective advisor to the President while supporting outdoor traditions and sustainable resource use,” the organization affirmed.
ClearPath
“The CEQ plays a critical role in streamlining federal permitting processes and is well-positioned to adopt advanced technologies and process improvements under Chair Scarlett’s robust leadership,” noted Jeremy Harrell, CEO of ClearPath Action. “As Congress engages in a bipartisan discourse on modernizing permitting, we eagerly anticipate collaborating with CEQ to enable America to build.”
Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
“The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) extends its congratulations to Katherine Scarlett on her confirmation as the Chair of CEQ. Katherine is a pragmatic consensus builder and a dedicated advocate for sportsmen and women during her tenure on Capitol Hill and with the Administration,” stated Taylor Schmitz, CSF Senior Vice President. “Her proven success record at CEQ is something we look forward to leveraging in her new role.”
National Association of Manufacturers
“As Congress advances permitting reforms intended to stimulate manufacturing investment and innovation, CEQ will be vital in executing any final legislation. Ms. Scarlett’s extensive experience as a senior staff member on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and her work in the executive branch equip her to effectively realize the Congressional intent behind the desperately needed permitting reforms,” explained Charles Crain, Managing Vice President of Policy at NAM.
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
“Under Katherine Scarlett’s leadership, CEQ is poised to assist federal agencies in implementing the 2023 bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act amendments to NEPA and the Supreme Court’s Seven County decision. NRECA anticipates fruitful collaboration with CEQ in modernizing and accelerating NEPA reviews and permitting as cooperatives strive to enhance electric and broadband infrastructure,” stated Louis Finkel, Senior Vice President for Government Relations at NRECA.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
“Throughout her career, Ms. Scarlett has exhibited an adeptness at navigating complex policy landscapes and fostering collaboration. Her previous roles, including Chief of Staff for the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council and her tenure at CEQ from 2018 to 2020, have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in federal environmental policy,” asserted Neil L. Bradley, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Water and Sewer Distributors of America
“Our organization strongly supports Ms. Scarlett’s commitment to reforming overly complex permitting processes that unnecessarily obstruct the development of critical water and utility infrastructure,” they emphasized.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee
“Katherine Scarlett possesses the qualifications necessary to lead the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Her extensive knowledge of environmental issues makes her well-equipped to advance the Trump administration’s priorities. Katherine’s experience on my EPW Committee staff has shown her deep understanding of NEPA provisions and their community impacts, both in West Virginia and nationwide,” she remarked. “In her current role, she is working with federal agencies to align NEPA procedures with recent legislative and judicial developments. I am thrilled that she can now bring her valuable insights to CEQ as Chairman.”
U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
“Katherine Scarlett is the ideal choice to head @WHCEQ47. Her extensive experience within both the legislative and executive branches positions her to refine cumbersome permitting processes, foster innovation across the federal government, and ensure that the CEQ adheres to legal constraints,” he expressed.
Chairman James L. Connaughton, Council on Environmental Quality, 2001-2009
“Congratulations to Katherine Scarlett on her confirmation as the 13th Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Over its 55 years, CEQ has played a crucial role in guiding the implementation of our nation’s environmental laws and agreements, working alongside Congress and global partners. I am eager to see Chair Scarlett enhance this legacy by advising President Trump and his colleagues, ensuring that ‘man and nature can exist in productive harmony’ through modern policy and technological innovations,” he stated.
Chairman Mary Neumayr, Council on Environmental Quality, 2019-2021
“Ms. Scarlett’s diverse experiences across the Executive and Legislative Branches have equipped her with the knowledge necessary for effective CEQ operations, particularly regarding NEPA implementation and infrastructure permitting matters. She approaches her work with practicality and professionalism, valuing diverse perspectives and working efficiently with colleagues,” she concluded.
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