WASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2013 - Sarah Bittleman will be joining the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to serve as the agency's new senior agricultural counselor, effective today.
She will continue the work of former Agricultural Counselor Larry Elworth, advising the acting administrator and senior agency staff on ways in which complex environmental issues may impact growers and the greater agricultural community, according to an EPA spokesperson.
“EPA is dedicated to an open and constructive working relationship with the agriculture community, as with all stakeholders,” noted the EPA spokesperson in a statement. “Sarah's work will continue to ensure that the overlaps among environmental and agricultural issues and the concerns of rural communities are carefully considered in every action EPA takes.
Bittleman previously served as senior advisor to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, where she specialized in energy and EPA issues. Before coming to USDA, she worked for the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives on a range of policy and strategic development issues involving agriculture, energy, natural resources, Native Americans and climate change. She holds a Master's of Public Administration from East Carolina University, a JD from Tulane University School of Law and a BA in political science from Union College in New York.
“Sarah has done extraordinary work at USDA, often putting in the extra hours to get things done. She knows how to get to 'yes' regardless of the challenge, while providing a careful and balanced approach on wide ranging policies,” noted Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “She will be missed at USDA, but will make a great addition at EPA. I know her commitment to rural America will serve EPA and all of us well in the future."
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