Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, conducted a hearing to discuss the nominations of Katherine Scarlett and Jeffrey Hall. Scarlett is nominated to become a Member of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), while Hall is up for the position of Assistant Administrator at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
During her opening statement, Chairman Capito expressed gratitude for both nominees’ willingness to serve. She acknowledged their families present at the hearing, stating, “I want to give a special welcome to Katherine’s family…her husband Brian and her parents are here today… And I know Jeffery has his parents and his wife here with him today.”
Capito outlined the role of CEQ, established by NEPA as part of the Executive Office of the President. She highlighted Scarlett’s qualifications: “Katherine is very well-qualified to lead CEQ.” In her current role as CEQ’s chief of staff, she has been involved in implementing bipartisan initiatives and modernizing environmental review processes.
Scarlett’s past roles include senior positions during President Trump’s administration and contributions to legislative acts such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Capito noted ongoing efforts with Ranking Member Whitehouse on legislation reforming environmental review processes.
Jeffrey Hall was also addressed in Capito’s statement. She stated that OECA under EPA aims to enforce compliance with environmental laws like the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act without overemphasizing penalties. “Mr. Hall will be tasked with striking the right balance between… encouraging compliance…and targeting entities flaunting those laws,” she said.
Capito commended Hall’s professional background in litigation and enforcement procedures: “Mr. Hall’s professional experience gives him expertise to effectively lead this office.”
The hearing proceeded with further discussions on how both nominees plan to handle their prospective roles within federal agencies.
