WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its federal partners wrapped up a week focused on federal coordination on water issues by announcing designees for the Water Subcabinet, established by President Trump’s Executive Order on “Modernizing America’s Water Resource Management and Water Infrastructure.” The Water Subcabinet designees will be responsible for implementing the strategic direction and specific actions initiated under Executive Order to improve our federal water infrastructure and prioritize access to essential water supplies for all Americans.
As stated in the Executive Order, the Water Subcabinet is Chaired by the Secretary of the Interior and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The designees to the newly formed Water Subcabinet are:
- Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary of Water and Science Dr. Tim Petty.
- EPA Assistant Administrator for Water David Ross
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey
- Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James
- U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Daniel R. Simmons
- Deputy National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Administrator Rear Admiral Gallaudet
“There is no better example of vision, leadership, collaboration, and drive to deliver for the American people than President Trump and his Cabinet,” said Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Dr. Tim Petty. This subcabinet is charged with breaking down barriers in bureaucracy to deliver safe, reliable water for our cities, communities, farms, and environment.”
Under the Executive Order, signed on October 13, 2020, the water subcabinet will develop a national water strategy to ensure the reliability of U.S. water supplies, water quality, water systems, and water forecasting. Coordination by the Water Subcabinet will streamline decision-making processes across federal agencies, according to EPA.
