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John Podesta is currently serving as Counselor to the President. His duties include overseeing climate change and energy policy.
In 2008, he served as co-chair of President Obama’s transition team, where he coordinated the priorities of the incoming administration’s agenda, oversaw the development of its policies, and spearheaded its appointments of major cabinet secretaries and political appointees.
He is the former Chair of the Washington, D.C.-based think tank Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund. Prior to founding the Center in 2003, Podesta served as White House chief of staff to President William J. Clinton.
He also recently served on the President’s Global Development Council and the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda.
Additionally, Podesta has held numerous positions on Capitol Hill, including counselor to Democratic Leader Sen. Thomas A. Daschle (1995-1996).
A Chicago native, Podesta is a graduate of Knox College and the Georgetown University Law Center, where he is currently a visiting professor of law. He is the author of The Power of Progress: How America’s Progressives Can (Once Again) Save Our Economy, Our Climate and Our Country.
John Podesta's Posts
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New Actions to Reduce Methane Emissions Will Curb Climate Change, Cut Down on Wasted Energy
January 14, 2015 at 10:45 AM ESTThe Obama administration is announcing an ambitious new goal to cut methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 40-45 percent from 2012 levels by 2025. Achieving this goal would save up to 180 billion cubic feet of wasted natural gas in 2025 — enough to heat more than 2 million homes for an entire year.
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When the Rubber Hits the Road: Teaming Up with NASCAR to Act on Climate
December 9, 2014 at 4:48 PM ESTNASCAR driver Ryan Blaney joins Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx and Counselor to the President John Podesta at the White House to talk about proper tire maintenance — and brings along his #22 Mustang and the #18 “M&Ms” car.
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Announcing the First Class of Climate Action Champions
December 3, 2014 at 12:58 PM ESTIn recognition of their strong commitment to the fight against climate change, the Obama administration names 16 communities as the first class of Climate Action Champions.
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Electric Vehicles Help Drive Climate Action
November 19, 2014 at 11:41 AM ESTPacific Gas & Electric demonstrates their new plug-in hybrid bucket truck — a utility vehicle with emissions nearly 80% lower than a conventional truck.
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Recognizing American Communities as Climate Action Champions
October 1, 2014 at 8:54 AM ESTThe Obama administration launches the first round of the Climate Action Champions Competition, to recognize and support the path-breaking steps that local and tribal governments are already taking to reduce carbon pollution and prepare for the impacts of climate change.
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An Important Step in Our Fight Against Climate Change
September 23, 2014 at 1:20 PM ESTLeaders from more than 120 countries gathered in New York for the UN Climate Summit. On the agenda: a challenge that knows no borders, produces devastating local impacts, and requires global action.
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U.S. Companies Leading to Reduce Emissions of HFC Climate Pollutants
September 16, 2014 at 1:18 PM ESTToday, fulfilling a commitment under the President’s Climate Action Plan, the Obama Administration is announcing new private sector commitments and executive actions to reduce emissions of hydroflourocarbons (HFCs), powerful greenhouse gases that exacerbate climate change.
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U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit: Climate Change Makes Sustainable Development Crucial to Africa
August 5, 2014 at 3:03 PM ESTClimate change poses serious challenges for Africa -- from extreme weather to sea level rise to drought. But building resilience to climate impacts and expanding clean energy resources will create opportunities across Africa, and help the continent continue its progress toward building sustainable, dynamic economies for decades to come.
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Power Africa: Beyond the Grid
June 3, 2014 at 4:11 PM ESTAt the U.S.-Africa Energy Ministerial in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz announces the 27 private-sector partners of “Beyond the Grid” –- a new Power Africa initiative to unlock investment and growth specifically for off-grid and small-scale energy solutions.
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The Roof of the White House
May 9, 2014 at 12:25 PM ESTTake a behind-the-scenes look at the solar panels on the White House roof, and learn more about the new public- and private-sector commitments that organizations have made to advance solar deployment and invest in energy efficiency.
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