Governor Mike Braun aims to make Indiana’s environmental rules more supportive of businesses. He has chosen Clint Woods to lead the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, a decision that seems well-suited for the task.
Woods previously worked at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during President Trump’s first term. In this role, he played a part in relaxing air pollution rules and reducing the use of scientific data in making regulations.
This background led to some controversy when he took a position at Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. There, students and faculty raised concerns about his past work at the EPA. Due to this backlash, Woods stepped down from his role within months.
Aside from his EPA experience, Woods has been involved with conservative groups such as Americans for Prosperity and the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). His track record reflects a clear connection to efforts focused on less regulation and a more business-friendly approach.
Governor Braun also appointed Jon Ford, a former state senator, to head Indiana’s Office of Energy Development. Ford left his senate position in 2023 to lead Reliable Energy Inc., which advocates for coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy.
Check out this related article: Meet the New Leaders of Indiana’s Environment and Energy Agencies: Connections to Trump-Era Deregulation and Fossil Fuels
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