Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, presided over a hearing to evaluate three key nominations for positions within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The nominees under consideration were Brian Nesvik for Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Jessica Kramer for Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water at the EPA, and Sean Donahue for General Counsel at the EPA.

In her opening statement, Chairman Capito highlighted Brigadier General Brian Nesvik's extensive experience with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. "General Nesvik has more than 29 years of experience with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department prior to his retirement last September," she stated. She noted his leadership in wildlife management programs in Wyoming and his service in the Wyoming Army National Guard.

Capito emphasized that Nesvik's role as Director would involve overseeing operations to conserve wildlife while managing natural habitats efficiently. "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service needs greater structure and efficiency," she remarked.

Jessica Kramer was also introduced as a nominee for Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water at the EPA. Capito praised Kramer's bipartisan approach to water policy issues, saying, "Clean water is not a partisan issue; it is essential to the health, safety, and economic well-being of every American." Kramer’s previous work on Capitol Hill included shaping provisions in infrastructure legislation related to drinking water systems.

Sean Donahue was nominated for General Counsel at the EPA. Capito outlined his past roles within both private practice and governmental agencies: "Mr. Donahue has served for three years in the prior Trump Administration at EPA as a Special Advisor." His responsibilities would include providing legal guidance on environmental laws such as the Clean Air Act.

These nominations are crucial as they will influence how environmental policies are shaped and implemented across various federal agencies responsible for protecting natural resources.