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The US Senate has confirmed Dr. Kelvin Droegemeier as Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and Alexandra Dunn as Director of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP). January 2nd. Their support was in the final resolution of the 115th Congress.
Droegemeier is a meteorologist and prior to being appointed Vice President for Research at the University of Oklahoma. He has also served on the National Science Board. His nomination was well received by both industry and Congress, which confirmed his nomination by oral ballot.
The OSTP coordinates science and technology policy for all federal agencies and works with the Office of Management and Budget to prepare scientific agency budgets. Droegemeier will be the first person to assume that role in the Trump administration.
During his previous term, OSTP has focused on issues such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, nanotechnology and climate.
Her nomination was greeted with optimism by most on and off Capitol Hill, as her actions as the EPA’s Regional Administrator, including her efforts to combat PFAS contamination, were highly appreciated. Donald J. The position at the top of OCSPP has been vacant since President Trump took office. His original nominee, former chemical executive Michael Dawson, caused bipartisan concerns and withdrew her nomination.
Dunn previously served as the EPA Region 1 Administrator for New England. Her office oversees the implementation of the Toxic Substances Control Act, which governs the regulation of new and existing chemicals.