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

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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Energy and Environment

We Can’t Wait: Driving Forward with New Fuel Economy Standards

November 16, 2011 at 2:21 PM EDT

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation have formally announced their joint proposal to set stronger fuel economy and greenhouse gas pollution standards for model year 2017-2025 passenger cars and light-duty trucks.

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Energy and Environment

Protecting Historic Progress on Clean Air

November 7, 2011 at 12:33 PM EDT

Republicans in Congress are trying to use our current economic climate as an excuse to roll back clean air protections that Americans have counted on for decades

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Energy and Environment

The Link Between American Energy and Prosperity

October 7, 2011 at 2:18 PM EDT

October is Energy Action Month, a national effort to highlight the tremendous potential of clean energy technologies to create new American jobs and industries, and underscore the importance of investing in American innovation to lead the 21st century global clean energy economy.

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Energy and Environment

Cleaner Air and a Stronger Economy – A Record of Success

September 2, 2011 at 10:30 AM EDT

The direct benefits of the Clean Air Act – in the form of cleaner air and healthier, more productive Americans – are estimated to reach nearly $2 trillion in the year 2020

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