Top Trump Adviser to Lead Council on Environmental Quality

Last night, President Trump nominated Kathleen Hartnett White to lead the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). The nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.

Council on Environmental Quality

Formed in 1970, the CEQ coordinates the development of environmental initiatives with federal agencies and the White House. [1] The CEQ plays a central role in the implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The Council ensures that agencies and federal actions comply with environmental rules before approving projects. [2]

The Honorable Kathleen Hartnett White

Kathleen Hartnett White is the former Chairwoman and Commissioner of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The TCEQ is the second largest environmental regulatory agency in the world after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

White is a distinguished senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) and Director of the Armstrong Center for Energy & the Environment. [3] She has also served as Commissioner on multiple state agencies and private non-profits, including the Lower Colorado River Authority and the Texas Water Development Board. White received her master’s degree from Stanford University and studied law at Texas Tech University. [4]

An adviser to Trump’s campaign on energy and regulatory reform, White also served as a member of his transition team. Currently, she is a member of the President’s economic advisory council. [5]

Climate Change

Being one who challenges the global warming alarmists, she has criticized findings of the main international body pushing the theory of man-made climate change, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). She has referred to conclusions from United Nations climate panels “not validated and politically corrupt.” [2]