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

Protecting Families at the Pump and Expanding Responsible Domestic Oil Production

May 17, 2011 at 2:54 PM EDT

Heather Zichal, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change, discusses the Administration’s policies to support safe and responsible domestic oil and gas production.

READ THE REST
Energy and Environment

The Obama Administration’s Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future

March 30, 2011 at 4:20 PM EDT

Heather Zichal, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change, offers a comprehensive look at the President's energy vision and agenda.

READ THE REST
Energy and Environment

The Results Are In: Drilling Down On Unused Leases

March 29, 2011 at 1:38 PM EDT

Heather Zichal, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change, discusses a new report from the Department of the Interior on the acreage of public lands (onshore and offshore) that have been leased to oil and gas companies and remain undeveloped.

READ THE REST
Energy and Environment

The Facts on Domestic Oil and Gas Production

March 27, 2011 at 3:50 PM EDT

Some recent comments in the press have attempted to paint a picture that an agreement on energy issues signed during the President’s trip to Brazil shows a lack of commitment to domestic oil and gas production. Let’s be clear – this administration is committed to developing a broad range of energy sources, and we know that high prices at the pump are forcing Americans to make tough choices.

READ THE REST
Energy and Environment

Expanding Safe and Responsible Energy Production

March 8, 2011 at 6:22 PM EDT

The Administration is expanding safe and responsible energy production by making efforts to increase current oil production and lower dependency on foreign oil. By increasing oil production in the US, the government is protecting consumers from high gas prices.

READ THE REST
Energy and Environment

The Clean Air Act: Protecting Our Families and the Air We Breathe

March 1, 2011 at 7:00 PM EDT

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a report estimating the economic, environmental and health benefits of the Clean Air Act over the period 1990 to 2020.

READ THE REST
Energy and Environment

So What Does the Clean Air Act Do?

February 9, 2011 at 3:18 PM EDT

The Clean Air Act gives the Environmental Protection Agency the necessary tools to protect our families from a number of harmful pollutants that can cause asthma and lung disease – especially in children.

READ THE REST
Energy and Environment

Keeping America Competitive: Innovation and Clean Energy

January 31, 2011 at 5:01 PM EDT

Heather Zichal, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change, outlines the President's plans to win the future by building a clean energy economy here at home.

READ THE REST
Energy and Environment

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Turns 50

December 6, 2010 at 7:31 PM EDT

Heather Zichal, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change, reflects on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

READ THE REST
Rural

Rural Communities, Our Economy and Our Energy

October 8, 2010 at 5:49 PM EDT

Heather Zichal, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change, looks at the critical role America’s rural communities play not only in our national economy but also in helping to tackle our nation’s toughest energy challenges.

READ THE REST