The right choice at the right time – Brenda Mallory as Chair, CEQ
Among NJ Audubon’s top priority issues is protection of our national, state, and local parks, and the wildlife that depends upon them for habitat. We welcome the nomination of Brenda Mallory as Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) because this signifies the administration’s commitment to protect our parks, our air and water, and wildlife.
Brenda Mallory is a career public servant with nearly four decades of environmental policy experience at the Environmental Protection Agency and later as General Counsel at CEQ. This combination provides her with a unique perspective to understand and implement the regulatory reforms and policies that will protect America’s parks and communities nation-wide. Not only that, her experience in pursuing environment justice for underserved communities will be a welcome priority for the council.
One of the most significant functions of the CEQ is reviewing the plans for large, complex projects. Mallory’s deep dedication to communities and her interest in the impact of environment on public health make her an exceptionally good choice for this position. You may have heard of these environmental reviews – they are required through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and are fundamental protections for our parks and public lands. In NJ, NEPA protects coastal areas, endangered and threatened species, ensures infrastructure projects and reduces pollution. With Mallory in the driver’s seat, we are sure to be on the right path toward an accessible, clean and safe environmental for all.
Mallory serves on the Advisory Committee that plans the National Wildlife Federation’s (NWF) Women in Conservation Leadership Summit, which I had the pleasure of attending this year (remotely, of course). The fact that she takes the time to help plan such an important mentoring event is indicative of her deep interest in providing support and guidance to women in the conservation field. Indeed, Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the NWF provided this quote in support of her nomination:
“Working to overcome the monumental challenges imposed by the pandemic, while confronting the climate, biodiversity and environmental injustice crises will not be an easy task, which is exactly why our nation urgently needs the expertise of Brenda Mallory. Through her grasp of the structural inequalities affecting frontline communities, and her proven credentials in forging durable solutions that consider environmental, social and economic needs, Mallory will provide the Council on Environmental Quality with the leadership needed to establish sustainable and authentic relationships with all Americans.”
We look forward to seeing Brenda Mallory confirmed as Chair of CEQ to ensure the best future for our public lands and water and urge the Senate to swiftly confirm this qualified nominee at the hearing on March 3, 2021.
