Jeff Landry Appoints Former Trump Official as Louisiana's Top Environmental Regulator

Former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto has been named by Governor-elect Jeff Landry as the head of Louisiana's Department of Environmental Quality. Giacometto, who will be the first Black woman to serve in this role, has a background in biology and law and previously worked for agrochemical giant Monsanto. Landry's administration aims to protect water and air quality while also supporting the oil and gas industry. Giacometto's confirmation process drew scrutiny due to her ties to Monsanto, but she was deemed in compliance with federal ethics rules. She will assume her position in January 2024.