Heather Zichal

White House Profile

Heather Zichal

Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change

Heather Zichal is the Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change.

As the President’s top White House advisor on energy and climate change, Zichal coordinates policy development and implementation on these issues across the Administration. She has helped to shape and execute many of the President’s top energy and climate priorities, including establishing historic new fuel economy standards, reducing mercury pollution, and supporting clean energy deployment in the United States. Prior to joining the Administration, Ms. Zichal served as a Policy Director to the Obama Campaign, where she helped craft the 2008 energy platform.

She previously served as the Legislative Director to Senator John Kerry after managing energy and environmental issues in the 2004 Presidential campaign. She has also served as Legislative Director for U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and U.S. Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ).

During her time in the federal government, Ms. Zichal has been a strong and steady voice for policies that reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil, protect public health and our environment, and address global climate change.

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

Heather Zichal's Posts

Energy and Environment

A Stronger and Sustainable Military for the 21st Century

May 17, 2013 at 5:50 PM EDT

The President and the Department of Defense are taking unprecedented steps to protect our environment, achieve significant cost savings, and give our military better energy options.

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Energy and Environment

A Record Year for the American Wind Industry

January 30, 2013 at 6:08 PM EDT

The Obama Administration has made extraordinary progress in developing a clean energy economy and protecting our environment for years to come.

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Energy and Environment

A New Step Forward to Protect American Wind Energy Jobs

August 2, 2012 at 7:30 PM EDT

The Senate Finance Committee passes a one-year extension of the Production Tax Credit for the domestic wind industry.

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Energy and Environment

Landmark Court Decision Upholds EPA's Actions to Protect Families

June 29, 2012 at 3:48 PM EDT

This decision constitutes an important victory in the Obama Administration’s broader efforts to build a stronger, more innovative economy, create new jobs, and protect American families from harmful pollution

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Energy and Environment

Fighting to Protect American Families from Mercury Pollution

June 19, 2012 at 1:23 PM EDT

Here are the facts about the Obama Administration’s Mercury and Air Toxics Standards.

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Energy and Environment

Protecting Jobs in the American Wind Industry

June 7, 2012 at 11:35 AM EDT

Heather Zichal talks about a few key items on the President’s “To-Do” list for Congress –- including extending the Production Tax Credit (PTC) and the 48C Advanced Energy Manufacturing Credit

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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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