White House official returns to green group

An Obama administration official is heading back to the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) to become the group’s vice president.

Nathaniel Keohane is leaving his post as special assistant to President Obama for energy and the environment in the National Economic Council and Domestic Policy Council, the Defense Fund said in a Friday statement.

“We are delighted to have Nat returning to the fold,” EDF President Fred Krupp said. “Nat brings a wealth of expertise, a strong reputation as an economist and experience in policymaking at the highest levels of government — as well as a passion for finding smart, economically sound solutions to environmental problems.”

In his new role, Keohane will work across the organization and spearhead a new global climate change campaign.

Keohane was chief economist for EDF before he joined the White House in January 2011. He also previously served as EDF's director of economic policy and analysis.

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