Transition to Team Obama
The green scoop on Obama's Cabinet and administration picks
13 Nov 2008
The Picks
Lisa Jackson.
While many enviros have had nice things to say about Jackson, she's been a controversial figure in New Jersey, where she served as commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection from February 2006 to November 2008. Some N.J. groups say she's done great work on climate, energy, and clean water, but others have been critical, particularly of her handling of toxic waste sites.
More background on Jackson.
Steven Chu.
Background on Chu.
Watch Chu talk about climate change and renewable energy.
Ken Salazar.
Some grassroots conservationists from the West are unhappy with the Salazar nomination, though some big, national green groups are saying nice things about him.
Background on Salazar.
Tom Vilsack.
The sustainable-agriculture community is disappointed in the choice of Vilsack, who has been a big booster of agribusiness and genetically modified crops. But a long-time Iowa organic farmer and food activist says Vilsack is someone progressives can work with.
Read a 2007 interview with Vilsack.
Carol Browner.
Background on Browner.
Browner, who was EPA administrator during the entire Clinton administration, has been a long-time acolyte of Al Gore.
Nancy Sutley.
Sutley is generally well respected in the environmental community; folks think she'll work well with chief energy adviser Carol Browner, noting that the two worked together previously at the Clinton EPA.
More background on Sutley.
Heather Zichal.
Read an interview with Zichal.
Jane Lubchenco.
Jane Lubchenco is an accomplished marine scientist and long-time conservationist who has been vocal about the dangers posed by climate change.
Background on Lubchenco, and info on the challenges she faces.
John Holdren.
Holdren, a Harvard physicist, has been outspoken about the need to fight climate change.
Background on Holdren.
Hilda Solis.
Solis has been an advocate for green-job creation.
Hillary Clinton.
Clinton -- who will be overseeing international climate negotiations -- had a strong climate and energy platform during her presidential run.
Read a 2007 interview with Clinton.
Ray LaHood.
Enviros and urban planners don't quite know what to make of LaHood.
Janet Napolitano.
Napolitano has spoken out against the border wall that divides Arizona from Mexico; the wall has been found detrimental to the environment.
James L. Jones.
Some environmentalists are worried about Jones, noting that he serves on the board of Chevron Corp. and is head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy, which is often at odds with enviros over energy issues.
Read up on Jones' energy views and how they may or may not matter within the National Security Council.
Peter R. Orszag.
Read about Orszag's views on curbing greenhouse-gas emissions.
Rahm Emanuel.
Emanuel -- who will be charged with running the White House and implementing the president agenda -- got high marks from the League of Conservation Voters during his time in the U.S. House.
Secretary of Commerce
Bill Richardson withdrew himself from nomination for commerce secretary on Jan. 4.
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Transition Talk: Barack Obama, by Jonathan Hiskes. Meet the people who might fill top environmental jobs in an Obama administration.
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