Mountain State Times

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito has been named Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) for the 119th Congress. In a statement, she expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her by colleagues and emphasized her commitment to bipartisan solutions.

“It is an honor to serve as Chairman of the EPW Committee, and I am deeply humbled by the trust my colleagues have placed in me to lead the Committee," said Capito. She highlighted her experience on the committee since 2015 and her role as Ranking Member over the past four years.

Capito noted changes within the committee, including new members such as Senators John Curtis and Jerry Moran on the Republican side, along with Democrats Adam Schiff, Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Angela Alsobrooks. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse will serve as Ranking Member.

The newly appointed chairman outlined priorities that include advancing policies for American energy, improving infrastructure permitting processes while safeguarding environmental health, and working towards a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill. "I will prioritize legislation that provides the resources our communities need to upgrade drinking water infrastructure and address legacy PFAS contamination," she added.

Capito also expressed intent to collaborate with President Trump’s administration on confirming nominees aligned with their shared goals.

She concluded by affirming confidence in the committee's productivity: “I am confident in the EPW Committee’s ability to work together in the upcoming Congress."

The EPW Committee comprises members from both parties, including notable figures like Senators Bernie Sanders, Lindsey Graham, Ed Markey, among others.

Chairman Capito has been part of this committee since becoming a U.S. Senator in 2015. Her tenure includes previous leadership roles such as Chairman of various subcommittees focused on clean air, nuclear safety, transportation, and infrastructure.