Brown Appointments Applauded by EDF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Lori Sinsley, (415) 293.6097 (o), lsinsley@edf.org

(San Francisco–January 05, 2011) Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) praised Governor Brown's announcement today to reappoint Mary Nichols to lead the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and nominate John Laird as California's Natural Resources Secretary.

"Gov. Brown is turning to proven leaders who know how to get things done," said David Festa, vice president of EDF West Coast and the organization's Land, Water and Wildlife program. "CARB chair Mary Nichols has earned tremendous respect for her work leading an internationally-acclaimed agency that protects public health, and Mr. Laird's expertise on California natural resources and the state budget is unmatched.

"California will benefit from having continued access to Mary's expertise on clean energy and clean air and her leadership in implementing landmark standards such as the state's Global Warming Solutions Act, AB 32, and the California clean cars program. John is well-known for his forward-thinking conservation policies—from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy to increasing water conservation—and his deep knowledge of budgetary issues is an essential asset as the new Governor and his team tackle huge budget challenges.

"I'm confident that the legislature will agree that Ms. Nichols and Mr. Laird are the right leaders for these agencies," Festa concluded. "We look forward to working with them and their staff to develop innovative solutions that rebuild our economy and protect the environment and public health."

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Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org), a leading national nonprofit organization, creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. EDF links science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships. For more information, visit www.edf.org/california. Follow us on Twitter @EDF_CA and read our blog at http://blogs.edf.org/californiadream/.