Heather Zichal

White House Profile

Heather Zichal

Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change

Zichal currently serves as the Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change. Zichal served as the Policy Director for Energy, Environment and Agriculture for Sen. Obama’s presidential campaign and on the transition team.

She previously served as the Legislative Director to Senator John Kerry after being responsible for energy and environment policies on his 2004 campaign. Zichal also served as Legislative Director for U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and U.S. Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ). Throughout her tenure in the federal government, she has been a strong advocate for policy initiatives to create clean energy jobs, tackle climate change and reduce dependence on oil.

She grew up in Iowa and is a graduate of Rutgers University.

Heather Zichal's Posts

ToDo List

In Case You Missed It: Broad Bipartisan Support to Extend the Production Tax Credit

May 23, 2012 at 4:54 PM EDT

As part of his Congressional To-Do List, the President is calling on Congress to pass legislation that will extend the Production Tax Credit, which has drawn strong bipartisan support from governors, members of Congress, and industry.

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Energy and Environment

Smart Steps on Natural Gas

May 4, 2012 at 4:31 PM EDT

The Department of Interior proposes a rule that will require companies to publicly disclose the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing operations on public and Indian trust lands.

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Energy and Environment

Building on Efficiency

May 2, 2012 at 4:01 PM EDT

Two administration-led, industry-driven efforts are putting Americans to work making buildings more efficient and helping households and businesses control their energy bills.

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Facilitating Safe and Responsible Expansion of Natural Gas Production

April 13, 2012 at 11:56 AM EDT

In line with his goal of expanding safe and responsible production of natural gas, President Obama issues an Executive Order to create a new Interagency Working Group to Support Safe and Responsible Development of Unconventional Domestic Natural Gas Resources.

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Economy

It’s Time to End the Taxpayer Subsidies for Big Oil

March 28, 2012 at 5:44 PM EDT

The United States has been subsidizing the oil industry for a century. In fact, some of the oldest tax breaks for the oil companies date back to 1913 – a time when there were only 48 states in the Union and Ford was still producing the Model T.

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Energy and Environment

American Energy: The Facts

March 15, 2012 at 8:03 PM EDT

There are some who want to paint a bleak picture of the state of American energy, so let’s take a look at the facts.

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Energy and Environment

The Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future: One-Year Progress Report

March 12, 2012 at 11:59 AM EDT

A new progress report showcases the Obama Administration’s historic achievements in reducing our reliance on foreign oil, saving families and businesses money at the pump, and positioning the United States as the global leader in clean energy.

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Energy and Environment

Increasing Energy Security

January 18, 2012 at 5:32 PM EDT

The Obama Administration’s approach to achieving American energy independence has been a comprehensive and sustained effort, with emphasis on boosting domestic energy production, increasing efficiency, and transitioning to cleaner energy sources

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Energy and Environment

Protecting American Families and the Environment from Mercury Pollution

December 21, 2011 at 3:46 PM EDT

President Obama discusses historic new mercury pollutions standards.

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Energy and Environment

Clean Air and Electricity Delivery

December 1, 2011 at 5:40 PM EDT

An independent analysis carried out by the Department of Energy confirms that the new clean air standards established by the Obama Administration will not compromise the nation's ability to provide safe and reliable electricity to American consumers

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