Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) congratulated a slate of nominees confirmed by the U.S. Senate who will take up positions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ).
“President Trump has been in office for eight months and there are still numerous vacant positions across the federal government. These vacancies delay the ability of federal agencies to craft policy and address issues facing America’s cattle producers,” said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall. “We thank Majority Leader John Thune and all the senators who voted to advance this slate of highly qualified nominees. With new confirmed officials, important teams under USDA, the Interior Department, EPA, and CEQ can be even more effective in serving America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.”
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs
NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane: “NCBA congratulates Dudley Hoskins on his confirmation as USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. As a staff member for the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, Under Secretary Hoskins has supported America’s cattle producers and advanced critical Farm Bill programs. With his previous experience at USDA and at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Hoskins is a highly qualified nominee, and we look forward to him supporting the economic health and security of the U.S. cattle industry.”
Dr. Scott Hutchins, Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics
NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane: “As a scientist and researcher, Dr. Scott Hutchins has dedicated his career to protecting American agriculture and advancing gold standard research. The innovation and information provided by the Research, Education, and Economics Mission Area of USDA is critical to the success of family cattle farmers and ranchers. NCBA congratulates Dr. Hutchins on his confirmation and looks forward to working with him.”
Richard Fordyce, Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation
NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane: “America’s cattle producers rely on the Farm Production and Conservation team at USDA to manage local Farm Service Agency offices, support risk management offerings, and manage voluntary conservation tools through the Natural Resources Conservation Service. NCBA is grateful to see a qualified nominee like Richard Fordyce receive confirmation as Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation to lead these efforts. NCBA looks forward to Under Secretary Fordyce supporting family farmers and ranchers in accessing disaster relief, risk management, and voluntary conservation tools that support healthy ranches and healthy rangeland.”
Environmental Protection Agency
Jessica Kramer, Assistant Administrator of the Office of Water
NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart: “For too long, the EPA has been a burden to cattle producers and created more red tape for family farms and ranches. Thankfully, the Senate has confirmed Jessica Kramer as Assistant Administrator of the Office of Water and we look forward to her charting a new course for this office that acknowledges the environmental benefits from raising cattle. NCBA congratulates Assistant Administrator Kramer on her confirmation, and we look forward to future collaboration.”
U.S. Department of the Interior
Leslie Beyer, Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management
PLC Executive Director and NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources Kaitlynn Glover: “PLC and NCBA welcome the confirmation of Leslie Beyer as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Land and Minerals Management. In her position, Assistant Secretary Beyer will oversee the Bureau of Land Management, an agency whose daily work impacts the 22,000 western ranchers holding federal grazing permits. We look forward to working with Assistant Secretary Beyer and building on the partnership that already exists between federal lands ranchers and federal lands managers throughout the West.”
Andrea Travnicek, Assistant Secretary for Water and Science
PLC Executive Director and NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources Kaitlynn Glover: “With the level of drought facing the West, there is no shortage of work to be done on managing our nation’s water resources. NCBA and PLC are pleased to see the Senate confirm Andrea Travnicek to lead the Interior Department’s critical work stewarding our water supply.”
William L. Doffermyre, Solicitor
PLC Executive Director and NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources Kaitlynn Glover: “NCBA and PLC congratulate William L. Doffermyre on his confirmation as Solicitor of the U.S. Department of the Interior, a role where he will be able to hold the department accountable for serving our Western rural communities. We look forward to working with Solicitor Doffermyre to eliminate complex, burdensome regulations that stand in the way of successful family ranchers and thriving rural communities.”
Council on Environmental Quality
Katherine Scarlett, Member of the Council on Environmental Quality
PLC Executive Director and NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources Kaitlynn Glover: “NCBA congratulates Katherine Scarlett on her confirmation, and promotion, from staff at the Council on Environmental Quality to Senate-confirmed member. Under Scarlett’s leadership, we look forward to the Council on Environmental Quality modernizing the National Environmental Policy Act process and unleashing business opportunities for rural America.”
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National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
