California Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa will run for chair of the Western Caucus following Washington Republican Rep. Dan Newhouse’s decision to step aside after four years atop the group.
Newhouse announced to the caucus Wednesday that he would not seek reelection to the post. His departure opens up the top job of the almost entirely Republican body, which advocates for rural and western communities opposed to federal regulations.
LaMalfa’s office confirmed to POLITICO’s E&E News that he is running for the job and has spoken to the other vice-chairs of the caucus. If he wins, it would give him a loudspeaker to oppose environmental regulations the group views as burdensome. So far, no other member has publicly announced a bid.
LaMalfa, part of both the Natural Resources and Agriculture committees, is a top antagonist of regulations to fight climate change. He has repeatedly cast doubt on climate change being caused by human pollution.
