Sherrill picked for key subcommittee chair

Freshman Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) is the new chairwoman of the House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on the Environment.

Sherill replaces Rep.  Conor Lamb (D-Pennsylvania), who gave up his subcommittee chairmanship to take the seat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee left vacant by the death of Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Maryland).

“New Jerseyans know the importance of clean air, clean drinking water, and protecting our natural resources,” Sherrill said.  “Our state has the largest investment in offshore wind in the country, and I look forward to further promoting this important innovation to protect our environment.

The post is part of meteoric climb for Sherrill, who flipped New Jersey’s 11th district in 2018 after 34 years of a Republican congressman.

“As Chairwoman, I will be able to more directly support critical environmental research that grows our clean energy economy, improves our national security, and secures New Jersey’s future,” Sherrill said.

According to the committee website, Sherrill’s new subcommittee has jurisdiction over environmental research issues, climate change research and development, and all issues related to weather services.

Sherrill’s post as chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight will now be assumed by Rep. Bill Foster (D-Illinois).  She is departing that subcommittee entirely, but will retain her seat on the Research and Technology subcommittee.

In 2019, Sherrill became the first New Jersey freshman to chair a House subcommittee since Rep. Jon Runyan (D-Moorestown) in 2011.

The former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor also serves on the House Armed Services Committee.