Rex Tillerson plans to scrap the positions of the special envoy for climate change, one other

[mahatmakanejeeves]

The Energy 202: We asked Texas Republicans about Harvey and climate change. Only one answered.

By Dino Grandoni August 30 at 9:02 AM

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-- Getting up from his seat: As part of a move to eliminate or downsize several special envoy positions at the State Department, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson plans to scrap the positions of the special envoy for climate change and a special representative for the Arctic region, CNN reported. ... Tillerson notified the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in a letter sent to its chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.). The staff under both positions will be shifted to the Bureau of Oceans and International and Scientific Affairs, according to the report.

In a copy of the letter published by Politico, Tillerson wrote the changes “would also eliminate redundancies that dilute the ability of a bureau to deliver on its primary functions. Empowering regional and functional bureaus will make knowledge and resources more accessible, provide clarity in reporting authority, strengthen communication channels, and create a more efficient State Department.”

Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), one of the most outspoken senators on climate change, urged Tillerson to reconsider. "Secretary Tillerson must retain this position so that the United States keeps a seat at the table," Markey said in a statement.

Flashback: During his confirmation hearing in January, the former ExxonMobil chief executive assured senators that he believed the United States must retain a “seat at the table" at climate negotiations, using that phrase at least four times.
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Energy & environmental reporter for @washingtonpost and newsletter writer for @PowerPost. Follow @dino_grandoni

[riversedge]

1. I do not trust Tillerson at all.

....Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), one of the most outspoken senators on climate change, urged Tillerson to reconsider. "Secretary Tillerson must retain this position so that the United States keeps a seat at the table," Markey said in a statement.

Flashback: During his confirmation hearing in January, the former ExxonMobil chief executive assured senators that he believed the United States must retain a “seat at the table" at climate negotiations, using that phrase at least four times.
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