President Barack Obama has nominated Gina McCarthy to be the next administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. If confirmed, McCarthy would officially replace Lisa Jackson who announced at the end of 2012 she was stepping down.
Since Jackson’s exit, Bob Perciasepe has been serving as acting administrator. Previously, McCarthy has served as chief of the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation that develops policies and regulations for limiting air pollution and radiation exposure. She has also served as commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.
“As Assistant EPA Administrator, Gina has focused on practical, cost-effective ways to keep our air clean and our economy growing,” Obama said in a statement announcing McCarthy’s nomination. “She’s earned a reputation as a straight shooter. She welcomes different points of views. I’m confident that she’s going to do an outstanding job leading the EPA.”
