Today, the United States Senate confirmed Katherine Scarlett as the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). She will serve as President Trump’s 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.

“I’m extraordinarily grateful to President Trump for affording me the opportunity to lead the Council on Environmental Quality,” said Katherine Scarlett. “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 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
“Under 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,” said American Exploration & Production Council CEO Anne Bradbury.

America First Policy Institute
“It is our belief that Ms. Scarlett, through her time in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, the White House Permitting Council, and as CEQ’s 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.”

American Petroleum Institute
“Katherine Scarlett’s 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 Trump’s energy dominance agenda and deliver the permitting reform needed to unlock America’s full potential,” said Kristin Whitman, American Petroleum Institute Senior Vice President of Federal Relations.

American Wildlife Conservation Partners
“Throughout 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.”

ClearPath
“CEQ plays an important role in coordinating the federal permitting process and will be well-suited to deploy advanced technology and process improvements under Chair Scarlett’s strong leadership,” said ClearPath Action CEO Jeremy Harrell. “As Congress begins debate on a robust bipartisan permitting modernization, we look forward to working with CEQ to let America build.”

Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
“The Congressional Sportsmen’s 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,” said CSF Senior Vice President Taylor Schmitz. “Katherine 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.”

National Association of Manufacturers
“As 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,” said NAM Managing Vice President of Policy, Charles Crain.

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
“Under Katherine Scarlett’s leadership, CEQ is well-positioned to guide federal agencies in implementing the 2023 bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act amendments to NEPA and the Supreme Court’s 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,” said National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Senior Vice President for Government Relations Louis Finkel.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce
“Throughout 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,” 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
“Our organization particularly supports Ms. Scarlett’s 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.”

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee
“Katherine 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 administration’s 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 agencies’ 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 I’m excited she can now bring her valuable perspective to CEQ as Chairman.”

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
“Katherine Scarlett is the right person to lead @WHCEQ47. Her experience in both the legislative and executive branches is what’s 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.”

Chairman James L. Connaughton, Council on Environmental Quality, 2001-2009
“Congratulations 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 nation’s 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 ‘man and nature can exist in productive harmony’ using 21st century policy, permitting, management, technology, and legal innovations.”

Chairman Mary Neumayr, Council on Environmental Quality, 2019-2021
“Through 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.”

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