Obama Names NHTSA Nominee

The White House has nominated David Strickland, a congressional aide, to head the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Associated Press reported.

President Obama nominated Strickland, who is senior counsel to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, to be the agency’s new administrator, AP said.

Strickland has served as counsel for the committee since August 2001, the Detroit News reported. He has helped push environmental and safety regulations for the auto industry.

Obama’s first nominee for the NHTSA position, Chuck Hurley, withdrew from the nomination process in May amid criticism from environmental groups. The groups questioned Hurley's commitment to fuel efficiency requirements.

NHTSA oversees highway safety programs and sets automotive fuel efficiency and safety requirements.