Washington, D.C. – Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) today announced that Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) will be the new Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment.

Chairman Smith: “The Obama Administration has presided over a massive expansion of government that has invaded every part of our daily lives and nowhere is this more evident than at the EPA.  Rep. Schweikert shares my commitment to pursue a vigorous oversight agenda that shines a light on the impact that government agencies like the EPA are having on working families and job creators nationwide. He has been an active member of the Committee and his technical expertise is invaluable.  I look forward to working closely with him to ensure that EPA rules and regulations are appropriate, transparent and utilize the best available science.”

Chairman Schweikert: “The American people have a right to know what is happening in their government and why.  Too often, this Administration has tried to bypass Congress and impose its will on the American people through regulatory fiat.  We have a responsibility to provide a check-and-balance to ensure there is fairness and openness in the process and that taxpayers are not being subjected to onerous and unnecessarily burdensome rules and regulations."