Merkley Statement on EPW Chairmanship for 120th Congress

Merkley Statement on EPW Chairmanship for 120th Congress November 12, 2026 Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley today announced he intends to seek the Chairmanship of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee for the 120 th Congress: “I am excited to announce that I plan to seek the Chairmanship of EPW in the next Congress. “This committee has jurisdiction over a range of issues that are critical to American communities. Clean air and clean water matter to every American, no matter where they live. “This includes tackling toxics—ranging from asbestos to plastics to forever chemicals—that create significant health problems. In addition, we need to strengthen our transportation infrastructure, which is essential to a thriving economy, and continue to address issues that sustain human health and our environment. “I look forward to working with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to advance these efforts.” ###