Monica Medina nominated for State Department's top oceans, environment post

President Biden has nominated Monica Medina to become assistant secretary at the State Department's Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, the White House announced Thursday.

Why it matters: Medina, the wife of White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain, previously worked at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The big picture: Medina is currently an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and one of the founders of Our Daily Planet, an "e-newsletter on conservation and the environment," per the White House.

• She worked at NOAA during the Clinton and Obama administrations and was reportedly considered a contender for a leadership position there, per the Washington Post.
• Medina has previously advocated for the creation of a National Climate Service.

What they're saying: “Monica is a national and international leader on environmental issues with extensive experience in government, law, policy and conservation," said Eric Schwaab, senior vice president of the ecosystems and oceans program at the Environmental Defense Fund.

• "I had the privilege to work alongside Monica while at NOAA in the Obama administration. Monica’s experience and passion for people and the planet will serve the United States and the Biden administration well at this critical time."

Go deeper: White House nominates Rick Spinrad as NOAA leader