Jon Niermann of Austin was appointed to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), replacing outgoing Commissioner Zak Covar whose term ended Aug. 31. Neirman's term will continue until Aug. 31, 2021. 
 
Jon Niermann, an assistant attorney general overseeing environmental matters in the Texas Attorney General’s Office, played a key role in crafting some of the state’s suits against the federal Environmental Protection Agency during the time Abbott was attorney general. Niermann served most recently as chief of the Environmental Protection Division in the Texas Attorney General’s Office. 
 
Before working at the AG’s office, Niermann was an attorney at Baker Botts LLP, where he was recognized with the Judge Thomas Gibbs Gee Award for Outstanding Pro Bono Service and the Judge Suzanne Covington Pro Bono Service Award.
 
Niermann received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Master of Business Administration and law degree from University of Oregon.