New senator Booker lands on environment committee

New Sen. Cory Booker (D) will serve on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, the panel his predecessor – the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) – used as a perch to push for tougher regulation of chemicals and carbon emissions curbs.

Booker was sworn-in Thursday and given assignments on the environment panel as well as the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and the Small Business Committee.

Environment and Public Works Committee Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) said she’s “delighted” that Booker will be on the panel.

“The EPW Committee does such important work, including investing in the nation’s water and transportation infrastructure, ensuring our families have clean air to breathe and safe water to drink, as well as overseeing many other important federal programs. Senator Booker is a welcome addition and I look forward to working with him on these critical issues,” she said in a statement.

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) moved into Lautenberg’s committee seat on a temporary basis in June and will now leave the committee.

This post was updated at 6:04 p.m.