Louisiana – Governor Jeff Landry has announced significant leadership changes at the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), following the departure of Secretary Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto. Skipwith Giacometto has accepted a position with Earth and Water Law, a prominent law firm based in Washington, D.C.
During her tenure as Secretary, Skipwith Giacometto focused on modernizing LDEQ’s internal infrastructure. She implemented a new dashboard system and digitized the department’s operations, significantly improving transparency.
In addition, she demonstrated a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility, overseeing a 2.5% reduction in the department’s budget for FY 2026, which equated to a $5 million reduction.
Governor Landry expressed his gratitude for Skipwith Giacometto’s work, stating, “I want to sincerely thank Aurelia for her dedicated service to our State and the Department of Environmental Quality.
She prioritized environmental improvements for our air, land, and water, while also reducing the burdens of red tape and overregulation on businesses. We are grateful for her efforts and wish her the best in her future endeavors.”
With Skipwith Giacometto’s departure, Governor Landry has appointed Courtney Burdette as the new Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Burdette, who has been a part of LDEQ for over a decade, is seen as a seasoned leader with the experience needed to continue moving the department in a positive direction.
Governor Landry expressed confidence that Burdette would strike a balance between environmental protection and business interests, adding, “Courtney has played a pivotal role at LDEQ for a decade, and it is exciting to bring her leadership and experience back to the Department. I am confident she will continue to protect our environment while supporting Louisiana businesses.”
Burdette’s appointment is seen as a continuation of the department’s commitment to improving Louisiana’s environment while ensuring economic growth.