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White House Author

John Podesta

Former Counselor to the President

John Podesta formerly served as Counselor to the President. His duties included overseeing climate change and energy policy.

In 2008, he served as co-chair of President Obama’s transition team, where he coordinated the priorities of the incoming administration’s agenda, oversaw the development of its policies, and spearheaded its appointments of major cabinet secretaries and political appointees.

He is the former Chair of the Washington, D.C.-based think tank Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund. Prior to founding the Center in 2003, Podesta served as White House chief of staff to President William J. Clinton.

He also recently served on the President’s Global Development Council and the UN Secretary General’s High-Level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

Additionally, Podesta has held numerous positions on Capitol Hill, including counselor to Democratic Leader Sen. Thomas A. Daschle (1995-1996).

A Chicago native, Podesta is a graduate of Knox College and the Georgetown University Law Center, where he is currently a visiting professor of law. He is the author of The Power of Progress: How America’s Progressives Can (Once Again) Save Our Economy, Our Climate and Our Country.

John Podesta's Posts

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Big Data and Privacy: 1 Year Out

The White House releases an interim progress report detailing the progress we have made regarding big data technologies — and what we still have ahead.
February 5, 2015 at 9:29 AM ET

New Actions to Reduce Methane Emissions Will Curb Climate Change, Cut Down on Wasted Energy

The Obama administration is announcing an ambitious new goal to cut methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 40-45 percent from 2012 levels by 2025. Achieving this goal would save up to 180 billion cubic feet of wasted natural gas in 2025 — enough to heat more than 2 million homes for an entire year.
January 14, 2015 at 10:45 AM ET

When the Rubber Hits the Road: Teaming Up with NASCAR to Act on Climate

NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney joins Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx and Counselor to the President John Podesta at the White House to talk about proper tire maintenance — and brings along his #22 Mustang and the #18 “M&Ms” car.
December 9, 2014 at 4:48 PM ET

Announcing the First Class of Climate Action Champions

In recognition of their strong commitment to the fight against climate change, the Obama administration names 16 communities as the first class of Climate Action Champions.
December 3, 2014 at 12:58 PM ET

Electric Vehicles Help Drive Climate Action

Pacific Gas & Electric demonstrates their new plug-in hybrid bucket truck — a utility vehicle with emissions nearly 80% lower than a conventional truck.
November 19, 2014 at 11:41 AM ET

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