Biden Administration Invests in Strong Leadership for Climate Team

WASHINGTON (December 17, 2020) -- Reacting to the announcements that former EPA Administrator and current president of the National Resources Defense Council Gina McCarthy will be appointed to the newly created position of National Climate Adviser under the Biden Administration; that former Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm will be nominated as Secretary of the Department of Energy; and that Brenda Mallory will be named as Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality National Audubon Society Senior VP of Conservation Policy Sarah Greenberger issued the following statement:

“It is heartening to see that the incoming Biden Administration is investing in strong leadership to navigate the climate crisis.

“Gina McCarthy has long been a dogged leader on environmental issues who understands both the causes of, and the solutions to, the climate crisis. Audubon has appreciated her partnership and support over the years in preserving the places that birds need to survive, and we look forward to working with her in this critical new role.

“During her time as governor, Jennifer Granholm demonstrated a keen appreciation of the need for industries to emit lower emissions and adapt to renewable energy. We know that reducing emissions is key to helping save the birds we love, and we hope to work with Governor Granholm and her staff to support the expansion of clean energy and rebuild a cleaner and more prosperous future for us all.

“Brenda Mallory is an outstanding choice to run CEQ as a leading expert on environmental protection as well as a leading legal strategist in combating the damage that the last four years have done to our bedrock environmental laws, and for birds in particular. We stand ready to be a helpful partner in confronting the climate crisis in a way that addresses historic wrongs to communities who have disproportionately shouldered the burden of climate change.”

Audubon previously issued statements on the appointment of John Kerry as Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, Michael Regan as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and Deb Haaland as Secretary of the Interior. 

About Audubon
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Media Contact: Robyn Shepherd, robyn.shepherd@audubon.org, Matt Smelser, matt.smelser@audubon.org