Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) released the statement below regarding today’s vote by the U.S. Senate to confirm Gina McCarthy as the next Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
“Throughout her years working for both Republicans and Democrats, Gina McCarthy has always put the health of our people and our environment first. During her time as an Assistant Administrator at EPA, she crafted several key health standards, including the first-ever mercury standard for power plants which is expected to prevent up to 11,000 premature deaths, 130,000 asthma attacks, and provide as much as $240 million in health benefits each year. As EPA begins the work of implementing President Obama’s plan to reduce carbon pollution, I know her expertise and commitment to public health will be a great asset, and I congratulate her on being confirmed.”
McCarthy was confirmed by a vote of 59 to 40. The vote followed this week’s Senate showdown over Republican obstruction of executive nominees. The showdown resulted in an agreement that Ms. McCarthy’s and six other executive nominations could go forward.
###
