Biden withdraws Ann Carlson as nominee to lead US auto safety agency after GOP pushes back
The White House has withdrawn its nomination of Ann Carlson to lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), citing opposition from Republicans and industry groups, according to reports Tuesday. President Joe Biden nominated Carlson, who currently heads a Department of Transportation sub-agency, in February, but her candidacy sparked controversy from the start. Carlson is the third Biden nominee to falter upon being sent to the Senate’s commerce panel, with the previous two being Phillip Washington to head the Federal Aviation Administration and Gigi Sohn to head the Federal Communications Commission. Carlson faced criticism over her handling of fuel-economy standards in 2021, with Commerce Committee Republicans claiming she lacked safety and industry experience, and her appointment reportedly faced opposition from over 40 industry groups representing oil and gas companies. The White House has not explained why Carlson was withdrawn from consideration.
FAQs
Who is Ann Carlson and what is her background?
Ann Carlson is a former environmental law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, and is currently the acting head of a Department of Transportation sub-agency. Carlson was hired by the Biden-Harris transition team in January 2021 to serve as chief counsel of the NHTSA, and became acting administrator in September following Steven Cliff’s departure.
Why was Ann Carlson nominated to lead the NHTSA?
President Joe Biden nominated Ann Carlson to lead the NHTSA in February 2021, as part of his efforts to prioritize climate-change initiatives and promote environmentalism within his administration.
Why did Carlson’s nomination face opposition?
Carlson faced opposition from some Republican lawmakers on the Senate Commerce Committee over her lack of experience with traffic safety and industry standards, as well as her involvement with the development of fuel-economy standards.
What is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and what is its mission?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is a federal agency responsible for promoting safety on the nation’s highways, including developing and enforcing vehicle safety standards, investigating safety defects in vehicles, and educating the public about safe-driving practices. Its mission is to “save lives, prevent injuries and reduce economic costs due to road traffic crashes, through education, research, safety standards and enforcement activity.”
Why did the White House withdraw Carlson’s nomination?
The White House has not provided an explanation for withdrawing Carlson’s nomination and did not respond to The Post’s request for comment. However, it is believed that opposition from Republicans and industry groups played a key role in the decision.
GOP opposition prompts Biden to withdraw Ann Carlson’s nomination as leader of US auto safety agency
The White House has withdrawn the nomination of Ann Carlson to lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration following criticism from Republican lawmakers and industry groups. President Biden nominated Carlson, who is currently the acting head of the Department of Transportation sub-agency, back in February. Her nomination was sent to the Senate Commerce Committee a month later. Carlson is the third Biden nominee to have failed at the Senate’s commerce panel. The Republican members of the Commerce Committee argued that Carlson’s role in developing fuel-economy standards in 2021 was “consistent with your long career as an environmentalist without traffic safety experience.” Carlson had faced opposition from the industry groups representing oil and gas companies. The White House has not provided any explanation for the withdrawal of Carlson’s nomination.