President-elect Joe Biden is expected to soon announce his choices for two crucial positions in his administration — the Secretary of Energy and the White House climate coordinator.
According to NPR and Politico, Biden has chosen former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm to lead the Department of Energy and former EPA Chief Gina McCarthy to spearhead domestic climate policy.
Granholm served two terms as Michigan’s governor and supports a U.S. transition to zero carbon, according to Politico. She’s worked closely with the auto industry and could use those relationships to speed up electric vehicle deployment and infrastructure.
McCarthy previously served in President Barack Obama’s EPA and is currently the CEO of the Natural Resources Defense Council. She believes climate and clean energy should be considered in every department of Biden’s administration.
McCarthy would work as the domestic counterpart to global climate envoy John Kerry.
Environment America’s Acting President Wendy Wendlandt issued the following statement in response to Biden’s nomination of McCarthy, Granholm and Former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg as Secretary of Transportation:
“With these picks, President-elect Biden is acting on his campaign promise to prioritize climate action. All three bring a wealth of experience and qualifications to help the Biden administration resolve climate issues through shifts in clean energy and transportation policy. Each is demonstrably committed to building a cleaner, healthier future for all Americans — all of which is necessary to create smart, comprehensive and durable solutions.
“Governor Granholm has collaborated with the utility and auto sectors to forge a strong path forward on renewable energy and low carbon solutions to powering our country. Mayor Buttigieg’s campaign platform talked about building a clean transportation future and a commitment to ensuring that Americans can get around safely and conveniently, while cleaning up our air and cutting fossil fuel emissions. And, former EPA Administrator McCarthy is one of America’s most experienced and qualified environmental leaders. She has worked tirelessly for decades for a stable climate. Together with special envoy on climate John Kerry, this duo will bring assurance to the international community that the U.S. is ready once again to tackle the climate crisis,” Wendlandt continued.
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