Statement of EDF President Fred Krupp on Obama Administration Nominees

“Today, the President chose experienced and well-respected nominees who will be important additions to his Administration.

“I am delighted that Gina McCarthy has been nominated to be our nation’s next EPA Administrator. As her strong record demonstrates, she is a thoughtful leader known for advancing environmental protections that bolster the nation’s health and economy.

“As head of EPA’s national air office, Ms. McCarthy led the development of historic national emission standards for the mercury discharged from power plants, and helped forge new greenhouse gas and fuel economy standards for passenger vehicles. She has worked with both parties, including serving as a key environmental official under Mitt Romney when he was Governor of Massachusetts. She is well known for listening and responding to the concerns of both environmental advocates and industry stakeholders, and for pursuing a regulatory approach that is flexible, reasonable and cost-effective.

“In a recent National Journal article, the vice president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Gloria Berquist, described Ms. McCarthy as ‘a pragmatic policymaker’ who combines ‘aspirational environmental goals’ with ‘real-world economics.’ I couldn’t agree more.

“Ernest Moniz is also an impressive choice. He has many qualities that will make him an excellent Secretary of Energy, including deep expertise, broad experience, a pragmatic approach to problems, and an enthusiasm for creating a clean energy future for America. 

“As a theoretical physicist from MIT and a member of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, Dr. Moniz will help ensure that the nation’s energy decisions are based on sound science. He has shown that he understands the complexities of the nation’s energy challenges, as well as the connections among the energy choices we make, the health of our communities and environment, and the opportunities for growth and jobs from clean energy innovation.

“Dr. Moniz has repeatedly observed that just because the environmental challenges of shale gas are manageable that does not mean that they are yet managed. As there is work that remains to be done to ensure the safety of communities living around oil and gas development, and to address the air pollution issues that go beyond the local neighbors, his perspective will be important in the national conversation.

“I look forward to working with Ms. McCarthy and Dr. Moniz in their new roles as we strive to address the challenges facing America.” 

• Fred Krupp, President of Environmental Defense Fund