RELEASE: KHANNA, TLAIB TO LEAD ENVIRONMENT OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE
Khanna and Tlaib are joined by Reps. Ocasio Cortez, Cooper, Gomez, Krishnamoorthi, and Bush.
Washington, DC – Chairman Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) of the Subcommittee on Environment announced today that Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-13) will serve as Vice Chair.
"Our planet isn't going to wait any longer for us to clean out the special interests, online disinformation, and rampant corruption that has long dominated American environmental policy," said Rep. Khanna. "I am humbled and honored by the Committee's faith in me to lead this subcommittee. I'd like to thank Chairwoman Maloney for her leadership in the full committee and look forward to working with Vice Chair Tlaib as we push for a Green New Deal and green energy jobs across the country."
In 2009, Rep. Khanna was appointed by former President Obama to serve as the Deputy Assistant Secretary in the U.S. Department of Commerce. Khanna managed the Green Embassy program, an international effort to make foreign offices more energy efficient by incorporating the innovations of U.S. clean technology firms in our oversees embassies. Khanna also coordinated trade missions to promote U.S. leadership on environmental initiatives.
During his time in Congress, Rep. Khanna has partnered with John Kerry, former Secretary of State and current Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, to advocate for an environmental strategy that makes the United States the world leader in clean energy. Khanna has also introduced groundbreaking legislation to bring sustainable jobs to areas of the country left behind by the digital revolution, with an emphasis on STEM careers. In addition to the Committee on Oversight, Khanna sits on the House Armed Services & Agriculture Committees, where he has been a vocal champion for building a 21st century economy rooted in clean technology jobs.
A national champion for environmental justice, Rep. Tlaib has led a fearless campaign to hold corporate polluters accountable and prioritize the health and safety of her constituents. During her first term in Congress, Rep. Tlaib introduced the RISE Act, establishing the Climate Choice Stock Index Fund as an option in the Thrift Savings Plan to ensure federal employees are able to abstain from investing in the fossil fuel industry. In the 116th Congress, Vice Chairwoman Tlaib fought for a national moratorium on water shutoffs and pressed Marathon Petroleum Corporation on their efforts to roll back important environmental protection laws, including the Clean Cars Rule.
National leaders in the fight to combat the climate crisis and champions of the Green New Deal, Chairman Khanna and Vice Chair Tlaib will use Congressional oversight to encourage for the creation of millions of green jobs, compensation for years of unchecked environmental racism, and protection of the nation's invaluable natural resources.
"Frontline communities like mine are tired of waiting for clean air, water, and soil," said Vice Chairwoman Tlaib. "They are eager to see corporate polluters be held accountable, so I am excited and honored to serve as vice chair for the Subcommittee on Environment under the leadership of Chairman Ro Khanna. We are in the midst of a climate crisis and bold action, along with strong government oversight, is needed to ensure that our communities are protected. We must make sure that our government is taking the necessary steps to protect our environment and save future generations from the devastating impacts of climate change. I look forward to taking on the important work in front of this subcommittee and the Committee on Oversight and Reform under the leadership of Chairwoman Maloney in the 117th Congress."
"I look forward to working with Chairman Khanna and Vice Chair Tlaib as we tackle the deadly threat that is climate change," said Rep. Cooper. "I know Chairman Khanna will lead the Committee to do what is best to protect our environment. We have a lot of work to do to fix the previous administration's rollbacks and destruction so we can protect our environment and move towards a healthier planet for everyone."
"I am thrilled to join the House Oversight and Reform's Subcommittee on Environment, where, under the thoughtful leadership of Congressman Khanna, we will take on environmental racism in every meeting and every hearing," said Rep. Bush. "From the West Lake Landfill to lead paint to fossil fuel companies headquartered in my district, I am ready to weigh in and amplify the ways in which the climate crisis and toxic environments are affecting the health and well-being of Black and brown communities. A St. Louis nurse is in the House!"
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About the Office
Congressman Khanna represents the 17th District of California, which covers communities in Silicon Valley. Visit his website at khanna.house.gov. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @RepRoKhanna.