Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna has been appointed co-chair of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) Environment and Energy Committee.

“The people of Washington state have a special passion for protecting our cherished natural resources,” said McKenna, a Bellevue resident. “I look forward to bringing that passion to NAAG’s Environment and Energy Committee, as we work to support clean energy and to protect our nation’s air, water and natural resources for future generations.”

The NAAG Energy & Environment Committee studies energy and environmental issues, educates state Attorneys General on associated legal issues and partners with federal entities to augment ongoing initiatives. Members work to improve the enforcement of state and federal environmental protection laws and bolsters multi-state environmental enforcement efforts.

The committee also tracks state legislation and Congressional and federal agency efforts to respond to energy and environmental problems. Focus areas have included the balance between energy development and environmental protection, water pollution and water resource management, environmental crimes and federal facilities compliance with environmental statutes.

McKenna will co-chair the committee along with Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler. His tenure will extend through June 17, at which time he is eligible to be reappointed for a full one-year term.