Heather Zichal

White House Profile

Heather Zichal

Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change

Heather Zichal is the Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change.

As the President’s top White House advisor on energy and climate change, Zichal coordinates policy development and implementation on these issues across the Administration. She has helped to shape and execute many of the President’s top energy and climate priorities, including establishing historic new fuel economy standards, reducing mercury pollution, and supporting clean energy deployment in the United States. Prior to joining the Administration, Ms. Zichal served as a Policy Director to the Obama Campaign, where she helped craft the 2008 energy platform.

She previously served as the Legislative Director to Senator John Kerry after managing energy and environmental issues in the 2004 Presidential campaign. She has also served as Legislative Director for U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and U.S. Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ).

During her time in the federal government, Ms. Zichal has been a strong and steady voice for policies that reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil, protect public health and our environment, and address global climate change.

She grew up in Iowa and is a graduate of Rutgers University.

Heather Zichal's Posts

Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change

September 20, 2013 at 10:36 AM EDT

In June, President Obama laid out the case for action on climate change and the steps his Administration will take to address it. In his Climate Action Plan, the President announced steps to cut the emissions of carbon pollution, prepare the United States for the impacts of climate change, and lead international efforts to combat global climate change.

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Historic Energy Efficiency Rules Would Save Consumers Money and Cut Carbon Emissions

August 29, 2013 at 3:10 PM EDT

The Energy Department issues two proposed rules that could cut energy bills by $26 billion and cut emissions by over 350 million metric tons of CO2 over 30 years -- the equivalent of taking nearly 109 million new cars of the road for one year.

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The President’s Plan to Reduce Carbon Pollution: Myths v. Reality

June 26, 2013 at 3:00 PM EDT

Some of the nation’s biggest polluters are attacking the President’s plan to cut carbon pollution and meet the climate change challenge, and they’re recycling the same tired and empty arguments that we’ve heard time and time again. To separate fact from fiction, let’s dig a little deeper and compare their rhetoric with the reality.

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New Energy Efficiency Standards for Microwave Ovens Will Save Consumers Money

May 31, 2013 at 3:43 PM EDT

Learn more about the Department of Energy's new energy efficiency standards for microwaves and how to choose energy efficiency appliances for your home.

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Energy and Environment

A Stronger and Sustainable Military for the 21st Century

May 17, 2013 at 5:50 PM EDT

The President and the Department of Defense are taking unprecedented steps to protect our environment, achieve significant cost savings, and give our military better energy options.

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Energy and Environment

A Record Year for the American Wind Industry

January 30, 2013 at 6:08 PM EDT

The Obama Administration has made extraordinary progress in developing a clean energy economy and protecting our environment for years to come.

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Energy and Environment

A New Step Forward to Protect American Wind Energy Jobs

August 2, 2012 at 7:30 PM EDT

The Senate Finance Committee passes a one-year extension of the Production Tax Credit for the domestic wind industry.

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Energy and Environment

Landmark Court Decision Upholds EPA's Actions to Protect Families

June 29, 2012 at 3:48 PM EDT

This decision constitutes an important victory in the Obama Administration’s broader efforts to build a stronger, more innovative economy, create new jobs, and protect American families from harmful pollution

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Energy and Environment

Fighting to Protect American Families from Mercury Pollution

June 19, 2012 at 1:23 PM EDT

Here are the facts about the Obama Administration’s Mercury and Air Toxics Standards.

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Energy and Environment

Protecting Jobs in the American Wind Industry

June 7, 2012 at 11:35 AM EDT

Heather Zichal talks about a few key items on the President’s “To-Do” list for Congress –- including extending the Production Tax Credit (PTC) and the 48C Advanced Energy Manufacturing Credit

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