Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, presided over a hearing in Washington, D.C., to evaluate nominees for key positions within environmental agencies. The session focused on three individuals: Brian Nesvik, Jessica Kramer, and Sean Donahue.

Brian Nesvik has been nominated to lead the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as Director. "General Nesvik has more than 29 years of experience with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department prior to his retirement last September," noted Chairman Capito. His extensive background includes roles such as chief Game Warden and Wildlife Division Chief before becoming Director in 2019. He also served in the Wyoming Army National Guard, retiring as a brigadier general in 2021.

Capito emphasized that "the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service needs greater structure and efficiency," adding that General Nesvik's military background could provide valuable leadership to conserve wildlife while facilitating infrastructure projects.

Jessica Kramer is nominated for Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Her nomination was endorsed by Capito, who remarked on Kramer's bipartisan efforts in water policy: "Clean water is not a partisan issue; it is essential to the health, safety, and economic well-being of every American." Kramer's career includes contributions to significant legislative initiatives like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

Sean Donahue has been nominated as General Counsel for the EPA. The position involves advising on environmental laws such as the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. According to Capito, Donahue brings relevant experience from his time as Special Advisor during the Trump Administration at EPA and subsequent legal practice specializing in environmental law.

The hearing provided an opportunity for these nominees to present their qualifications and visions for their respective roles within federal environmental agencies.