- If confirmed as EPA head, Gina McCarthy would replace Lisa Jackson.
President Obama nominated Gina McCarthy to serve as administrator of EPA. If confirmed, McCarthy would replace Lisa Jackson, who announced at the end of December that she would be stepping down.
The Senate, on a bipartisan basis in 2009, confirmed McCarthy for her current role as assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. Prior to her time at EPA, McCarthy worked as commissioner of the Connecticut Dept. of Environmental Protection and as Governor Mitt Romney’s energy and climate advisor in Massachusetts. She has served in federal and state government for more than 25 years.
The nomination is getting the approval of both environmentalist and industry groups, which are characterizing McCarthy as a fair and competent pragmatist. It is expected, however, that the coal industry will oppose her.
Sen. Vitter (R-La.), ranking member of the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee, has stated that he intends to pose some tough questions during McCarthy’s confirmation hearing.
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