Politics: He's Definitely an Expert

With all the other very important things to worry about now that the Republican Party controls the House, Senate, White House and Supreme Court, it was easy for people to miss the enormous environmental impact the new Senate leadership will have. So, if you needed a reminder, it comes this week from the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, courtesy of Congressional Quarterly. John Shanahan, who was air quality director for National Mining Association (check out their press release decrying the ban on mining with CYANDIDE) has been tapped to handle clean air issues for EPW Committee chairman James Inhofe (R-Okla.).

The money bit here is the note from National Mining Association President Jack Gerard congratulating Shanahan on the move. The note was circulated by the Clean Air Trust and included some ominous language about how Shanahan's new position "signaled great progress for the industry" as it continues to "educate the administration and Congress on the importance of coal in meeting our nation's future energy needs."

Good thing this guy is definitely committed to serving the interests of the American people.