Today, the United States Senate confirmed Katherine Scarlett as the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). She will serve as President Trumpâs advisor on policies that promote environmental quality and lead the implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to ensure timely environmental review and permitting processes across the Federal government to support the economic prosperity and energy security of the American people.
âIâm extraordinarily grateful to President Trump for affording me the opportunity to lead the Council on Environmental Quality,â said Katherine Scarlett. âI will work hard every day to leverage this Nationâs environmental policies and technologies to grow the American economy while ensuring that every American has clean air, clean water, and clean land.â
With years of experience dedicated to the intersection of environmental policy and infrastructure permitting, Scarlett has received widespread support across government and industry:
American Exploration & Production Council
âUnder President Trump, the Council on Environmental Quality has achieved significant progress to restore common sense to the permitting process. AXPC congratulates Katherine Scarlett on her confirmation and looks forward to collaborating with her to continue advancing smart, durable reforms to the environmental review process across agencies to unleash American energy and grow the economy,â said American Exploration & Production Council CEO Anne Bradbury.
America First Policy Institute
âIt is our belief that Ms. Scarlett, through her time in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, the White House Permitting Council, and as CEQâs Chief of Staff, has demonstrated a commitment to providing Americans with clean air, water, and land by improving environmental reviews and cutting down on onerous regulations that have stifled American prosperity and growth.â
American Petroleum Institute
âKatherine Scarlettâs extensive policy experience and ability to work across government and industry make her exceptionally well qualified to lead the Council on Environmental Quality. Her pragmatic, results-driven approach will be critical to advancing balanced policies that support President Trumpâs energy dominance agenda and deliver the permitting reform needed to unlock Americaâs full potential,â said Kristin Whitman, American Petroleum Institute Senior Vice President of Federal Relations.
American Wildlife Conservation Partners
âThroughout her public service, Scarlett has demonstrated a strong understanding of the importance of conserving wildlife habitat, expanding access to public lands, and ensuring that federal environmental policies align with the priorities of sportsmen and women. Her leadership will be vital in ensuring CEQ continues to serve as a fair and effective advisor to the President while supporting outdoor traditions and sustainable resource use.â
ClearPath
âCEQ plays an important role in coordinating the federal permitting process and will be well-suited to deploy advanced technology and process improvements under Chair Scarlettâs strong leadership,â said ClearPath Action CEO Jeremy Harrell. âAs Congress begins debate on a robust bipartisan permitting modernization, we look forward to working with CEQ to let America build.â
Congressional Sportsmenâs Foundation
âThe Congressional Sportsmenâs Foundation (CSF) congratulates Katherine Scarlett for being confirmed as the Chair of CEQ. Katherine is a thoughtful and pragmatic consensus builder that has been a steadfast champion for sportsmen and women during her time on Capitol Hill and with the Administration,â said CSF Senior Vice President Taylor Schmitz. âKatherine brings a strong track record of success to CEQ, and CSF looks forward to working with her as the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality.â
National Association of Manufacturers
âAs Congress works toward permitting reform that will unlock manufacturing investment, innovation and growth, CEQ will play a critical role in implementing any final legislation that is passed. Ms. Scarlett, with her years as a senior professional staffer on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and in the executive branch, has the expertise to faithfully implement Congressional intent of the permitting reforms manufacturers desperately need,â said NAM Managing Vice President of Policy, Charles Crain.
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
âUnder Katherine Scarlettâs leadership, CEQ is well-positioned to guide federal agencies in implementing the 2023 bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act amendments to NEPA and the Supreme Courtâs Seven County decision. NRECA looks forward to working with CEQ as it coordinates efforts to modernize and accelerate NEPA reviews and permitting as co-ops work to build and improve electric and broadband infrastructure,â said National Rural Electric Cooperative Associationâs Senior Vice President for Government Relations Louis Finkel.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
âThroughout her career, Ms. Scarlett has demonstrated an ability to navigate complex policy matters and foster collaboration. She previously served as Chief of Staff for the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council, now the Permitting Council, and at CEQ from 2018 to 2020 prior to her current CEQ role. She also worked on an array of environmental and permitting policy topics for the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, where she consistently advanced policies that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. Ms. Scarlett understands the intricacies involved in federal environmental policy,â said U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer, and Head of Strategic Advocacy, Neil L. Bradley.
Water and Sewer Distributors of America
âOur organization particularly supports Ms. Scarlettâs previous and ongoing efforts to bring commonsense and reform to overly burdensome and complex permitting policies that make it far too easy to block and delay the building of critical water and other utility-based infrastructure.â
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee
âKatherine Scarlett is well qualified to be Chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and her knowledge and experience regarding environmental issues position her well to move the Trump administrationâs priorities forward. Katherine proved herself as a vital member of my EPW Committee staff, displaying a deep understanding of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) provisions and how they impact communities in West Virginia and across the country. In her current role, Katherine is working with federal agencies to implement the bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act, coordinating updates to agenciesâ individual NEPA procedures to reflect recent court decisions and executive policies, and helping modernize the NEPA process through the use of technology. She is an excellent choice to take on this role and Iâm excited she can now bring her valuable perspective to CEQ as Chairman.â
U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
âKatherine Scarlett is the right person to lead @WHCEQ47. Her experience in both the legislative and executive branches is whatâs needed to refine cumbersome permitting processes, promote innovation across the federal government, and keep the Council on Environmental Quality within the confines of the law.â
Chairman James L. Connaughton, Council on Environmental Quality, 2001-2009
âCongratulations to Katherine Scarlett on her confirmation as the 13th Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. For 55 years, CEQ has helped inspire, initiate, mediate, negotiate, and guide the implementation of our nationâs environmental laws, programs, and international agreements in collaboration with the Congress, the States and global partners. I look forward to Chair Scarlett improving on this proud legacy by providing wise counsel to President Trump and her Administration colleagues, and by assuring that âman and nature can exist in productive harmonyâ using 21st century policy, permitting, management, technology, and legal innovations.â
Chairman Mary Neumayr, Council on Environmental Quality, 2019-2021
âThrough her experience in a variety of roles in the Executive and Legislative Branches, Ms. Scarlett has gained experience and knowledge relating to the functions and operations of CEQ, and specifically with regard to implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act and infrastructure permitting matters. She is very practical, diligent and professional and has a willingness to consider all views and to work efficiently and effectively with colleagues.â
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