State groups offer strong support for EPA Administrator nominee Gina McCarthy

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following a confirmation hearing today before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, statewide groups supporting federal clean air and climate safeguards announced their strong support for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) nominee Gina McCarthy. President Obama nominated McCarthy March 4.

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"Gina McCarthy began her career at the state level, working under five Republican governors, where she demonstrated an ability to build strong working relationships with business, industry, state leaders, advocacy groups and the public health community. Her commitment to public health and collaborative style make her the best choice to lead the EPA.

"At today's hearing, we saw a dedicated, pragmatic professional, who understands the needs of states like Pennsylvania, and is prepared to take on the public health challenges facing Pennsylvanians and their families.

"We need an EPA administrator who recognizes there are many stakeholders involved, understands how to work with them, and is committed to tackling climate change. McCarthy's record, as well as her approach, will enable EPA to implement strong safeguards from life-threatening air pollution, including new standards for industrial carbon pollution from power plants.

"The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee should quickly vote to approve the nomination."

The following groups have signed onto the statement:

PennFuture is a statewide public interest membership organization, founded in 1998, with offices in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Wilkes-Barre. PennFuture's activities include litigating cases before regulatory bodies and in local, state, and federal courts; advocating and advancing legislative action on a state and federal level; public education; and assisting citizens in public advocacy.

The Philadelphia Inquirer called PennFuture the "state's leading environmental advocacy organization"; the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette named the organization "one of the 10 most influential groups on the issue of natural gas drilling"; and StateImpact Pennsylvania, an online collaboration of NPR stations across the state, called PennFuture "the commonwealth's main environmental advocate."

Contact: Elaine Labalme [email protected]
412-996.4112

SOURCE Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture)