California Ag Veteran Expected to Land Key Water Appointment
If you've spent much time around California agriculture and water policy, there's a good chance you've heard the name Aubrey Bettencourt. Now, she may be headed to Washington.
President Trump is expected to nominate Bettencourt to serve as commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, though as of this report, the White House has not formally announced the nomination.
For many in agriculture, Bettencourt is a familiar name. Most recently, she served as chief of USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. E&E News by Politico and KJZZ note that her career has also included serving as California state executive director of USDA's Farm Service Agency, executive director of the California Water Alliance, director of sustainability at Western United Dairies and president and CEO of the Almond Alliance of California.
The Bureau of Reclamation plays a key role in managing water projects across the West.
If nominated and confirmed by the Senate, Bettencourt would become one of the top federal officials overseeing western water management. For agricultural producers, it's a nomination worth watching.
For more:
https://www.eenews.net/articles/white-house-to-tap-california-water-expert-for-bureau-of-reclamation/
https://www.kjzz.org/politics/2026-06-03/water-leader-from-california-is-likely-nominee-to-run-top-federal-colorado-river-agency?utm_source=chatgpt.com
