U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono has a new committee assignment.

The Hawaii Democrat says she’s taking a temporary seat on the Environment and Public Works Committee.

Hirono was picked to replace New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who died June 3.

Hirono will be on the committee until October.

The committee oversees legislation affecting clean water, clean air and other environmental resources.

Hirono says in an announcement that climate change, water management and traffic congestion are important issues for tourism, agriculture and other businesses critical to the nation’s only island state.