European Commissioner for the Environment
The Commissioner for the Environment is a member of the European Commission responsible for environmental policy. DG Environment has existed since assumption of office of the Commission Ortoli 1973; in the Commission's Thorn ( 1981-85 ) was not a member specifically responsible for the environment. Since the late 1980s, the department has become increasingly important since the environmental policy of the European Union was expanded. Since 2010, the Environmental Commissioner, however, is no longer responsible for climate policy of the European Union, which had been moved into a separate department climate.
Current office-holders in the Barroso II Commission is in February 2010, Janez Potočnik.