Dr. Steven Chu, an energy specialist and Nobel Prize winner, becomes the new Energy Secretary. Chu has strongly advocated for controlling greenhouse gas emissions and will play a central role in directing research and development of alternative energy sources.

Lisa Jackson, former head of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will head the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Nancy Sutley, current deputy mayor of Los Angeles for energy and environment, will be the head of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Carol Browner, EPA chief under Bill Clinton, will be Obama's National Energy Advisor.

Obama's new science advisor, John P. Holdren is expected to provide bold suggestions for action to address global warming. Holdren will head the Office of Science and technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President.