Napolitano’s Statement on Camille Touton’s Appointment to Bureau of Reclamation

(WASHINGTON, DC) Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32) released the following statement on long-time water policy advisor, Camille Calimlim Touton, being named Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation:

"I congratulate President Joe Biden and Interior Secretary-designate Deb Haaland on their excellent choice, their appointment of Camille Touton as the Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation. Ms. Touton has been one of my most trusted advisors on water policy for over a decade. She is an engineer, who has counseled U.S. Senators, Members of Congress, and was a leader in the Obama Administration's Department of Interior's Office of Water and Science.

"Ms. Touton is a master of the complicated issues of Western water policy, who fully understands the grave threats posed by climate change and unpredictable drought cycles. She is well respected by the wide spectrum of water leaders, including Democrats and Republicans, federal, state, and local water officials, and non-governmental groups.

"Her appointment is also historic, as Ms. Touton becomes the first Filipino American to serve in this important agency leadership role.

"Although I am losing Ms. Touton for a second time to the Administration, I couldn't be happier for her, and I am glad the Department is again, getting her great leadership, competency, and expertise."

The Bureau of Reclamation is a water management agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees dams, canals, and hydroelectric plants across the Western United States. It is the nation's largest wholesaler of water and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the West.

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