The lead of Louisiana’s Department of Environmental Quality, Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto, is stepping down from her role to embark on a new journey at a law firm based in Washington, D.C., as informed by the governor’s office on Friday.
Giacometto made history as the first Black woman to head the state’s environmental agency. With a background as both a biologist and a lawyer, she notably served under President Donald Trump in his initial term as a wildlife official. Her career also includes over six years with the agrochemical company, Monsanto.
Appointed in November 2023 by Governor Jeff Landry, Giacometto was entrusted with safeguarding Louisiana’s environment, ensuring it remains a pristine place for the state’s residents to live and work. Her responsibilities spanned regulating pollution, managing environmental threats, and upholding a balance between ecological protection and industrial progress, critical for creating job opportunities.
Governor Landry, who places significant emphasis on the state’s fossil fuel sector, highlighted Giacometto’s ability to strike this balance. Louisiana, rich in natural diversity with its coastlines, forests, and bayous, benefits greatly from the oil and gas industries, supporting thousands of jobs statewide.
The state also faces direct consequences from climate change, with an increase in hurricane occurrences and coastal erosion. The Mississippi River has seen historic low levels, affecting agricultural transportation and compounding issues with saltwater encroaching on drinking supplies.
Throughout Giacometto’s tenure of eighteen months, there have been numerous critiques regarding her management techniques. Reports indicate significant turnover within her agency, as evidenced by several prominent staff departures.
Looking ahead, Courtney Burdette, who has a decade of experience in various capacities within the department, will assume the position of secretary, as per Governor Landry’s announcement.
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