Gina McCarthy Confirmed as Environmental Protection Agency Administrator

WASHINGTON (July 18, 2013) – The long-delayed confirmation of Gina McCarthy as administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency clears the way for the agency to move forward in its mission to protect Americans’ health and the nation’s environment.

Natural Resources Defense Council President Frances Beinecke made these comments on the U.S. Senate’s confirmation vote today:

“The Senate has, finally, confirmed one of the most qualified, capable and collaborative leaders ever to head the Environmental Protection Agency.

“Now, Gina McCarthy’s work begins. Her agenda includes safeguarding Americans from toxic chemicals in our air, water and land; and cleaning up pollution driving dangerous changes in our climate. That means standing up to naysayers who may try to block President Obama’s climate plan and the special interests opposed to life-saving carbon pollution limits for the nation’s power plants.

“Her mission is clear: stand up for the health and safety of all Americans, protect our environment from irreparable harm and combat climate change for the sake of future generations. We look forward to working with her on those goals.”

For more on this announcement, read Frances Beinecke’s blog: http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/fbeinecke/new_epa_administrator_knows_ca.html

One of McCarthy’s chief tasks will be implementing President Obama’s climate action plan. A new NRDC poll shows Americans are strongly behind the plan and taking action against climate change now: http://www.nrdc.org/media/2013/130718.asp