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Touton is sworn in as U.S. Bureau of Reclamation commissioner

Touton is sworn in as U.S. Bureau of Reclamation commissioner

Maria Camille Calimlim Touton was sworn in as commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.

Secretary Haaland said that Touton’s water management experience “will be crucial to helping the Department implement the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” which contains investments to help mitigate drought conditions and protect water resources.

Touton has served as Reclamation’s deputy commissioner since January 2021.

“I am honored to serve as Commissioner for the Bureau of Reclamation and help lead the Department’s efforts to address the worsening drought crisis,” Touton said. The Nevadan said she understands what the water crisis means for people and the environment, and “I look forward to working collaboratively with farmers, Tribes, local communities, and with Congress to face these challenges.”

In her role, Touton will help manage the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $8.3 billion investments in drought and water resiliency, including funding for water efficiency and recycling programs, rural water projects, WaterSMART grants, and dam safety to ensure that irrigators, Tribes, and adjoining communities receive adequate assistance and support.

Before joining the Biden-Harris administration, Touton served as professional staff for the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Her congressional experience also includes serving as professional staff for Interior’s authorization committees, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee. Camille also served as Interior’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science under the Obama administration.

Touton holds a bachelor of science in civil engineering, a bachelor of arts in communication studies and a master of public policy.

Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the U.S.