Senate approves McCarthy's nomination to lead the EPA

The U.S. Senate has voted to approve Gina McCarthy’s nomination to lead the U.S. EPA by a vote of 59 to 40. President Obama nominated McCarthy as the EPA administrator in March. Details on the vote can be accessed on the Senate website. 

Before her nomination, McCarthy served as assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. She will replace former Administrator Lisa Jackson, who resigned in December. Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe has been serving as acting administrator in the interim.

Members of the biofuels and biomass industries have been speaking out to applaud the Senate’s action. “Throughout her career, Gina McCarthy has proven she understands that smart environmental policies create market certainty and in turn, jobs,” said Nicole Lederer, co-founder of Environmental Entrepreneurs. “Now that she has secured the support of the Senate, it’s time to get to the important work of reducing carbon pollution, developing more clean energy and leveraging American innovation to keep our economy growing. We look forward to working with her.”

Novozymes issued a statement congratulating McCarthy. “The new administrator understands the importance of stable policy, like the renewable fuel standard,” said Adam Monroe, Americas regional president for Novozymes. “Across the country, smart, stable policy is creating innovation, investment in our communities and jobs for our workers. It’s also protecting cities and towns where our families live. We’re ready to work with the new administrator, doing more to protect our air and water.”

David Foster, executive director of the BlueGreen Alliance, said his organization is looking forward to working with McCarthy to expand the use of clean energy, create jobs and advance the president’s climate change plan. “During her tenure at EPA, Gina McCarthy’s leadership on initiatives expanding renewable energy, protecting communities and addressing climate change in partnership with both sides of the aisle is unparalleled,” he said. “We look forward to building on these successful efforts and to implementing President Obama’s plan that will begin the process of addressing climate change in a comprehensive way.”

The Biomass Power Association has also congratualted McCarthy. "After a lengthy confirmation process, Ms. McCarthy will now be able to lead the agency in working toward the Obama administration’s environmental objectives, using the expertise, fair-mindedness and professionalism she has demonstrated throughout her career," said Bob Cleaves, president and CEO of the BPA. “Ms. McCarthy will head EPA during a time when important decisions will be made about the regulation of biomass as a clean energy source. The biomass industry looks forward to working with her to achieve a solution that protects the environment and public health while allowing for the full utilization of a domestic renewable energy source.”