Congressman Ken Calvert (R-CA) has taken over from Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID) as Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies. Calvert, whose district lies near California’s San Bernardino and Angeles National Forests, has said he will focus his attention as Chairman on wildfire prevention and management, as well as loosening restrictions on energy development.

The Interior Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of the Interior (excluding the Bureau of Reclamation), and the U.S. Forest Service, among other agencies. Former Interior Chairman Simpson will assume the chairmanship of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies.

Sources: U.S. House of Representatives