WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) has been formally named Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) for the 119th Congress, marking a significant leadership role for the West Virginia senator.
“It is an honor to serve as Chairman of the EPW Committee, and I am deeply humbled by the trust my colleagues have placed in me to lead the Committee,” Senator Capito said in a statement.
Senator Capito, who joined the EPW Committee upon her election to the Senate in 2015, brings years of experience to the position, including her tenure as the committee’s Ranking Member over the past four years. She emphasized her commitment to bipartisan solutions and delivering results for the American people.
A Focus on Bipartisanship and Infrastructure
As Chairman, Capito outlined key priorities for the committee, including advancing policies that promote American energy, streamlining permitting processes for infrastructure projects, and protecting the environment and public health.
The committee, which oversees critical infrastructure and environmental policies, will also focus on:
- Passing a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill to improve the nation’s roads and bridges.
- Investing in water resource development to enhance community infrastructure and resilience.
- Addressing legacy PFAS contamination and upgrading drinking water systems.
Capito highlighted the importance of collaboration, saying, “The EPW Committee has a strong tradition of bipartisan work, and I look forward to continuing that tradition with Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse and all members of the committee.”
New Members and Goals for the 119th Congress
The EPW Committee welcomes new members this Congress, including Senators John Curtis (R), Jerry Moran (R), Adam Schiff (D), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D), and Angela Alsobrooks (D). Capito expressed optimism about the committee’s ability to deliver results across party lines.
“I am confident in the EPW Committee’s ability to work together in the upcoming Congress, continuing to be one of the most productive committees in the U.S. Senate,” Capito said.
Capito also pledged to work closely with President Trump’s administration to confirm nominees and advance shared priorities.
West Virginia’s Influence in Washington
Capito’s leadership of the EPW Committee places West Virginia at the center of national discussions on energy, infrastructure, and environmental policy. Her chairmanship comes at a critical time, as Congress seeks to address pressing issues like climate change, aging infrastructure, and the nation’s energy future.
“Let’s get to work,” Capito concluded, signaling her readiness to tackle the challenges ahead.
