New EPA chief touted for 'common sense' strategies

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s new administrator, Gina McCarthy, has made a long career of working on environmental issues and is said to advocate “common sense” strategies.

McCarthy was nominated for the role by President Obama earlier this year and was confirmed by the Senate in a 59-40 vote on July 18.

“With years of experience at the state and local level, Gina is a proven leader who knows how to build bipartisan support for common sense environmental solutions that protect the health and safety of our kids while promoting economic growth,” Obama said after McCarthy’s confirmation. “Over the past four years, I have valued Gina’s counsel, and I look forward to having her in my Cabinet as we work to slow the effects of climate change and leave a cleaner environment for future generations.”

McCarthy previously served as the assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. Before that, she was commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. During her more than 30-year career, she has worked at the state and local levels on environmental issues and has helped coordinate policies on economic growth, energy, transportation and the environment.

In her first public speech as EPA administrator, at Harvard Law School in late July, McCarthy highlighted her commitment to carrying out Obama’s “Climate Action Plan” to reduce carbon pollution.

---

Other recent news on the EPA:

• DERA report to Congress highlights school bus retrofits