I am pleased to welcome everyone, in particular, our nominee, Mr. Frampton.
The Council on Environmental Quality was established in 1970 by the National Environmental Policy Act to review the impact of programs and activities of the federal government on the environment and to recommend to the President national policies to improve the environment.
Mr. Frampton was appointed as Acting Chair of CEQ upon the departure of former Chair Katie McGinty in November 1998. Before joining CEQ, Mr. Frampton worked as a private attorney and environmental consultant. From 1993 to 1997, he served as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, prior to which he was President of the Wilderness Society. From 1976 to 1985, Mr. Frampton was a partner in the Washington law firm of Rogovin, Stern, & Huge. During this period, from 1979 to 1980, he was the Deputy Director and Chief of Staff for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's investigation into the Three Mile Island nuclear accident. Also among his experiences, Mr. Frampton clerked for the Honorable Harry Blackmun during the U.S. Supreme Court's 1971-1972 session.
Mr. Frampton received his B.A. in Physics and Philosophy from Yale, his M.S. from the London School of Economics, and his J.D. from Harvard Law School.
Mr. Frampton has an impressive background and is well-qualified to be Chair of CEQ. This position poses a challenge that I am confident Mr. Frampton is prepared to face. I look forward to hearing what our nominee has to say about his background and what he hopes to accomplish, if confirmed.
Now we will hear the statements of Senator Baucus and other Committee members, followed by Mr. Frampton.