President-elect Barack Obama's appointments for key environmental and sustainability posts are getting mixed reviews. Commentators are varying from saying this is a "sea-change" from the Bush postings to noting that the appointments are seasoned government insiders. The green team includes:
Energy Secretary - Steven Chu, professor of physics and molecular and cell biology at UC Berkeley and director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Mr. Chu's appointment signals a focus on science by the administration, but some have noted that he does not have the political credentials to be effective. Having called coal "his worst nightmare," Midwestern states like Indiana will have to closely follow his coal policy and his stated interest in cap-and-trade regulation.
Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change (Energy "Czar") - Carol Browner, former EPA administrator. Noted as "well-vetted and safe" she was also widely criticized during her tenure with the Clinton administration as remaining silent during key determinations on EPA programs. However, Ms. Browner has clearly impressive credentials and is well-known to those inside Washington and in the environmental community generally.
EPA Administrator - Lisa Jackson, Governor Jon Corzine's chief of staff, previously head of New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection. Ms. Jackson brings the view of the east coast in to the green team. So far she is the least well-received of the appointments, with environmentalists criticizing her track record at the state.
Chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality - Nancy Sutley - deputy mayor, Los Angeles. Ms. Sutley is another Californian in the mix. With Boxer and Waxman chairing the key legislative committees, west coast voices are now the power block on climate change.
Interior Secretary - Ken Salazar, Colorado Senate, is being criticized by environmentalists for his ties to ranching and traditional energy policy and his record in the Senate.
Energy Secretary - Steven Chu, professor of physics and molecular and cell biology at UC Berkeley and director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Mr. Chu's appointment signals a focus on science by the administration, but some have noted that he does not have the political credentials to be effective. Having called coal "his worst nightmare," Midwestern states like Indiana will have to closely follow his coal policy and his stated interest in cap-and-trade regulation.
Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change (Energy "Czar") - Carol Browner, former EPA administrator. Noted as "well-vetted and safe" she was also widely criticized during her tenure with the Clinton administration as remaining silent during key determinations on EPA programs. However, Ms. Browner has clearly impressive credentials and is well-known to those inside Washington and in the environmental community generally.
EPA Administrator - Lisa Jackson, Governor Jon Corzine's chief of staff, previously head of New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection. Ms. Jackson brings the view of the east coast in to the green team. So far she is the least well-received of the appointments, with environmentalists criticizing her track record at the state.
Chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality - Nancy Sutley - deputy mayor, Los Angeles. Ms. Sutley is another Californian in the mix. With Boxer and Waxman chairing the key legislative committees, west coast voices are now the power block on climate change.
Interior Secretary - Ken Salazar, Colorado Senate, is being criticized by environmentalists for his ties to ranching and traditional energy policy and his record in the Senate.
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