In a significant move, the United States Senate has confirmed Katherine Scarlett as the new Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). In her role, Scarlett will advise President Trump on policies aimed at promoting environmental quality while spearheading the execution of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), with the intent of making environmental reviews and permitting processes across the Federal government both efficient and supportive of America’s economic growth and energy independence.
Scarlett expressed her gratitude to President Trump, stating, “I’m extraordinarily grateful to President Trump for affording me the opportunity to lead the Council on Environmental Quality. I will work hard every day to leverage this Nation’s environmental policies and technologies to grow the American economy while ensuring that every American has clean air, clean water, and clean land.”
With a robust background that spans both environmental policy and infrastructure permitting, Scarlett has garnered considerable support from various sectors:
American Exploration & Production Council
“Under President Trump, the CEQ has made strides in restoring rationality to the permitting process. AXPC congratulates Katherine Scarlett on her confirmation and anticipates collaborating with her to push forward smart, lasting reforms in environmental review processes that will stimulate American energy and economic growth,” noted Anne Bradbury, CEO of the American Exploration & Production Council.
America First Policy Institute
“We believe that Ms. Scarlett’s tenure with the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, the White House Permitting Council, and her prior role as CEQ’s Chief of Staff highlight her commitment to providing Americans with unpolluted air, water, and land by streamlining environmental reviews and reducing burdensome regulations that hinder prosperity,” commented the Institute.
American Petroleum Institute
“Katherine Scarlett’s extensive experience across governmental spheres uniquely positions her to lead the CEQ. Her pragmatic and results-oriented approach is essential for advancing balanced policies that support President Trump’s energy dominance agenda while facilitating necessary permitting reforms to unlock the nation’s energy potential,” said Kristin Whitman, the American Petroleum Institute’s Senior Vice President of Federal Relations.
American Wildlife Conservation Partners
“Throughout her public service, Scarlett has appreciated the balance between conservation of wildlife habitats and the public’s access to outdoor spaces, ensuring that federal environmental policies align with the interests of outdoor enthusiasts. Her leadership is crucial for the CEQ in continuing its role as a trustworthy adviser to the President,” remarked the Partners.
ClearPath
“The CEQ is instrumental in streamlining federal permitting, and under Scarlett’s guidance, it is expected to adopt advanced technologies and improvements. As Congress debates comprehensive bipartisan permitting reform, we look forward to working with CEQ to facilitate infrastructure developments,” mentioned ClearPath Action CEO Jeremy Harrell.
Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
“The CSF congratulates Katherine Scarlett on her confirmation as Chair of CEQ. Her consensus-building skills and commitment to sportsmen’s rights position her well to advocate for their interests effectively,” stated Taylor Schmitz, Senior Vice President of the Foundation.
National Association of Manufacturers
“As legislative efforts progress toward permitting reform, CEQ’s role will be pivotal. Scarlett’s extensive background in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the executive branch equips her to fulfill the legislative intent of reforms crucial to manufacturers,” assessed Charles Crain, the NAM’s Managing Vice President of Policy.
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
“With Katherine Scarlett at the helm, CEQ is well-positioned to navigate the implementation of the 2023 bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act amendments to NEPA, ensuring a modernized and expedited review and permitting process as co-ops strive to enhance electric and broadband infrastructure,” stated Louis Finkel, Senior Vice President for Government Relations.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
“Throughout her career, Ms. Scarlett has adeptly navigated complex policy challenges and fostered collaboration. Her past experiences as Chief of Staff for the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council and her extensive work on environmental policies lend nuanced understanding to CEQ’s mission—to harmonize economic and environmental imperatives,” observed Neil L. Bradley, Executive Vice President of the Chamber.
Water and Sewer Distributors of America
“Our organization wholeheartedly supports Ms. Scarlett’s ongoing initiatives to simplify overly complicated permitting processes that obstruct essential infrastructure developments, particularly for water and utility services,” shared the distributors.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee
“Katherine Scarlett’s qualification for Chairman of the CEQ is unquestionable. Her in-depth understanding of NEPA and its implications for communities ensures she is well-prepared to advance the administration’s priorities efficiently,” noted Senator Capito.
U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
“Katherine Scarlett is the ideal leader for the CEQ. Her dual experience in legislative and executive roles will refine cumbersome permitting processes and stimulate innovation across the federal spectrum,” stated Senator Cramer.
Chairman James L. Connaughton, Council on Environmental Quality, 2001-2009
“Congratulations to Katherine Scarlett on becoming the 13th Chair of CEQ. CEQ has played a vital role in guiding our nation’s environmental legislation, and I am confident that Chair Scarlett will build on this legacy with innovation and pragmatic policy approaches that integrate 21st-century solutions to environmental challenges,” he remarked.
Chairman Mary Neumayr, Council on Environmental Quality, 2019-2021
“Ms. Scarlett’s various experiences across both branches of government have equipped her with the insights necessary to implement NEPA and tackle infrastructure permitting efficiently, marking her as a highly qualified and professional leader for CEQ,” she noted.
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