President Trump
Donald Trump29 percent of GOP support efforts to charge accused Jan. 6 rioters: poll Trump warns Alaska GOP governor he'll revoke endorsement if he backs Murkowski Michigan Republican John James 'strongly considering' House run MORE announced Tuesday night his plans to nominate a new White House science and technology adviser with a background in extreme weather events.
The nominee, Kelvin Droegemeier, is an expert in extreme weather events and currently works as professor of Meteorology at the University of Oklahoma and serves as the Oklahoma Cabinet Secretary of Science and Technology. He also previously was a member of the National Science Board, under former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama
Barack Hussein ObamaBiden, lawmakers mourn Harry Reid Harry Reid, political pugilist and longtime Senate majority leader, dies Oprah Winfrey offers first comment on Dr. Oz Senate run MORE.
If confirmed by the Senate, Droegemeier will head the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy. The office has lacked a full-time leader since 2017. The director typically serves as the main science adviser to the president.
Droegemeier's expected nomination has been largely hailed by environmentalists due to his background in science.
In contrast, the science community has critiqued a number of Trump's picks for advisers and nominees — such as Rep. Jim Bridenstine
James (Jim) Frederick BridenstineBill Nye promotes infrastructure, social spending bills with Biden NASA can facilitate the commercial space station race SpaceX all-civilian crew returns to Earth, successfully completing 3-day mission MORE's appointment to head NASA — for lacking a formal science background.
"He is an experienced scientist with an impressive record of public service. When the appointment happens, the Senate should move quickly to vet and consider his nomination so that the vacuum of science advice within the White House can begin to be filled," Michael Halpern, a deputy director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said in a statement.
Droegemeier will head the White House's science and technology arm that so far under Trump has focused on investing in emerging technologies, including a federal program launched last year that aims to grow partnerships between cities and states to study the various uses of drones.
The announcement was well recieved by Republican lawmakers.
Sen. James Inhofe
James (Jim) Mountain InhofePelosi faces pushback over stock trade defense Overnight Defense & National Security — Senate looks to break defense bill stalemate Senate GOP moving toward deal to break defense bill stalemate MORE (R-Okla.), former chairman on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, called Droegemeier a "proven leader."
“From his time as a professor and service on the National Science Board to his leadership as the Vice President for Research at the University of Oklahoma, he has demonstrated a commitment to the scientific process, an appreciation for investing in research and a dedication to advancing technical achievement," Inhofe said in a statement.
Trump lost his main climate adviser, George David BanksGeorge (David) David BanksLack of transatlantic cooperation on trade threatens global climate change goals How the GOP can extend an 'America First' trade policy to US farmers and ranchers Overnight Energy: House energy panel to address climate change at first hearing | DOJ investigating whether Zinke lied to watchdog | Landmark greenhouse gas agreement takes effect MORE, in February after he was forced to resign when he failed to receive a security clearance due to past marijuana use.
