To the Members of the United States Senate:
As the U.S. Senate considers the nomination of Katherine Scarlett to be Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers the following observations. As demonstrated during her confirmation hearing, Ms. Scarlett has extensive experience at the intersection of infrastructure permitting and environmental policy making her exceptionally qualified for this critical role. We urge quick consideration of Ms. Scarlett’s nomination and look forward to working with her upon her confirmation.
Throughout her career, Ms. Scarlett has demonstrated an ability to navigate complex policy matters and foster collaboration. She previously served as Chief of Staff for the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council, now the Permitting Council, and at CEQ from 2018 to 2020 prior to her current CEQ role. She also worked on an array of environmental and permitting policy topics for the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, where she consistently advanced policies that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. Ms. Scarlett understands the intricacies involved in federal environmental policy.
CEQ can play an important role in the administration's efforts to facilitate timely investments in critical infrastructure projects by clarifying and modernizing the permitting process. By reducing bureaucratic delays, CEQ can help enable economic growth and progress. This aligns with the Chamber's Growth and Opportunity Imperative, which aims to achieve at least three percent annual economic growth. A more efficient permitting process is essential to meeting this goal.
We look forward to working with the Senate and Ms. Scarlett to modernize our nation’s permitting process and promote economic growth.
Sincerely,
Neil L. Bradley
Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer,
and Head of Strategic Advocacy
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
