Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito has been appointed as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) for the 119th Congress. In a statement, Capito expressed her gratitude for the trust placed in her by her colleagues, emphasizing her commitment to bipartisan solutions.

"It is an honor to serve as Chairman of the EPW Committee, and I am deeply humbled by the trust my colleagues have placed in me to lead the Committee," said Capito. She highlighted her experience as Ranking Member over the past four years and reiterated her dedication to delivering results for Americans.

The committee welcomes new members this Congress, including Senators John Curtis and Jerry Moran from the Republican side, and Senators Adam Schiff, Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Angela Alsobrooks from the Democrat side. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse will serve as Ranking Member.

Capito outlined her priorities as Chairman, focusing on advancing policies that promote American energy and improve infrastructure project permitting processes while safeguarding environmental health. She aims to pass a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill and water resource development legislation. "I will prioritize legislation that provides the resources our communities need to upgrade drinking water infrastructure and address legacy PFAS contamination," she stated.

She also emphasized collaboration with President Trump’s administration on confirming nominees swiftly. "I am confident in the EPW Committee’s ability to work together in the upcoming Congress," Capito concluded.

The EPW Committee includes notable members such as Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), among others.

Senator Capito has been part of the EPW Committee since 2015 when she became a U.S. Senator. Her focus has been on protecting West Virginia jobs in energy and manufacturing while encouraging infrastructure investment. The committee oversees several federal agencies related to environment, infrastructure, and economic development.