Senate: Don't Hold Key EPA Nominee Hostage
Target:
United States Senate
Sponsored by:
As we were reminded just last week by the American Lung Association, air pollution remains a major public health threat in America. More than 180 million Americans live in communities with dirty air, and tens of thousands of people die prematurely each year from air pollution.
But EPA's program to address air pollution is being impeded by politics.
It's time to tell the U.S. Senate not to hold a key -- and very qualified --nominee to the EPA hostage just because a senator objects to the Obama administration's environmental policies.
Here is the story in a nutshell: President Obama has nominated Regina McCarthy, currently commissioner of Connecticut's Department of Environmental Protection, to become the head of EPA's air pollution control and climate division. But Senator John Barrasso has put a "hold" on her nomination because he objects to an Obama administration proposal which found that global warming poses a threat to public health and the environment.
McCarthy is an experienced and very qualified official. The Senate should permit her to begin her critical job.
But EPA's program to address air pollution is being impeded by politics.
It's time to tell the U.S. Senate not to hold a key -- and very qualified --nominee to the EPA hostage just because a senator objects to the Obama administration's environmental policies.
Here is the story in a nutshell: President Obama has nominated Regina McCarthy, currently commissioner of Connecticut's Department of Environmental Protection, to become the head of EPA's air pollution control and climate division. But Senator John Barrasso has put a "hold" on her nomination because he objects to an Obama administration proposal which found that global warming poses a threat to public health and the environment.
McCarthy is an experienced and very qualified official. The Senate should permit her to begin her critical job.
As we were reminded just last week by the American Lung Association, air pollution remains a major public health threat in America. More than 180 million Americans live in communities with dirty air, and tens of thousands of people die prematurely each year from air pollution.
But EPA's program to address air pollution is being impeded by politics.
It's time to tell the U.S. Senate not to hold a key -- and very qualified --nominee to the EPA hostage just because a senator objects to the Obama administration's environmental policies.
Here is the story in a nutshell: President Obama has nominated Regina McCarthy, currently commissioner of Connecticut's Department of Environmental Protection, to become the head of EPA's air pollution control and climate division. But Senator John Barrasso has put a "hold" on her nomination because he objects to an Obama administration proposal which found that global warming poses a threat to public health and the environment.
McCarthy is an experienced and very qualified official. The Senate should permit her to begin her critical job.
But EPA's program to address air pollution is being impeded by politics.
It's time to tell the U.S. Senate not to hold a key -- and very qualified --nominee to the EPA hostage just because a senator objects to the Obama administration's environmental policies.
Here is the story in a nutshell: President Obama has nominated Regina McCarthy, currently commissioner of Connecticut's Department of Environmental Protection, to become the head of EPA's air pollution control and climate division. But Senator John Barrasso has put a "hold" on her nomination because he objects to an Obama administration proposal which found that global warming poses a threat to public health and the environment.
McCarthy is an experienced and very qualified official. The Senate should permit her to begin her critical job.
We the undersigned believe it is critical that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency be staffed by qualified experts who can lead the agency's mission of protecting health and the environment.
President Obama has nominated Regina McCarthy, currently commissioner of Connecticut's Department of Environmental Protection, to become EPA Assistant Administator for Air and Radiation -- probably the agency's most important job after that of the administrator. McCarthy is highly qualified for the job.
But Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming objects to the Obama administration's proposed "endangerment" finding -- a proposal which found that global warming poses a threat to public health and the environment. And he has put a "hold" on McCarthy's nomination, according to the senator, "because she will oversee this process."
We think that McCarthy should be allowed to begin her job, and that the U.S. Senate should vote to end his unfair "hold."
Thank you very much for taking time to consider this very important issue.
President Obama has nominated Regina McCarthy, currently commissioner of Connecticut's Department of Environmental Protection, to become EPA Assistant Administator for Air and Radiation -- probably the agency's most important job after that of the administrator. McCarthy is highly qualified for the job.
But Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming objects to the Obama administration's proposed "endangerment" finding -- a proposal which found that global warming poses a threat to public health and the environment. And he has put a "hold" on McCarthy's nomination, according to the senator, "because she will oversee this process."
We think that McCarthy should be allowed to begin her job, and that the U.S. Senate should vote to end his unfair "hold."
Thank you very much for taking time to consider this very important issue.
We signed the "Senate: Don't Hold Key EPA Nominee Hostage" petition!
# 139:
1:23 pm PDT, May 31,
Virginia Judson, Connecticut
As part of our clean energy network, 20% by 2010, I've heard her and seen her in action many times. She's a good speaker, an experienced administrator and effective. Much as I would like her to stay right here in Connecticut, I know she's a person who will be even more vauable in Washington.
As part of our clean energy network, 20% by 2010, I've heard her and seen her in action many times. She's a good speaker, an experienced administrator and effective. Much as I would like her to stay right here in Connecticut, I know she's a person who will be even more vauable in Washington.
# 138:
9:40 am PDT, May 28,
Caryl Anderson, Connecticut
# 137:
8:19 am PDT, May 28,
Name not displayed, Connecticut
# 136:
5:03 am PDT, May 27,
Cara Farrell, Connecticut
Gina McCarthy has made a tremendous positive impact on the health and well-being of Connecticut residents through the leadership she displayed at the State Department of Environmental Protection. It is that same leadership that is so needed at the Federal level. Please do not let party politics get in the way of her nomination!
Gina McCarthy has made a tremendous positive impact on the health and well-being of Connecticut residents through the leadership she displayed at the State Department of Environmental Protection. It is that same leadership that is so needed at the Federal level. Please do not let party politics get in the way of her nomination!
# 135:
4:43 pm PDT, May 25,
Valerie Clark, Connecticut
# 134:
2:52 pm PDT, May 23,
Allan Williams, Connecticut
The EPA needs a capable administrator to unravel the eight bad years of the previous administration. Gina Mcarthy needs to be appointed because of her competence. And democrats: Please don't keep giving the republicans things like "guns" in national parks. Stand up and fight and stop acting like cowards.
The EPA needs a capable administrator to unravel the eight bad years of the previous administration. Gina Mcarthy needs to be appointed because of her competence. And democrats: Please don't keep giving the republicans things like "guns" in national parks. Stand up and fight and stop acting like cowards.
# 133:
8:31 am PDT, May 22,
Emmett Pepper, Connecticut
# 132:
3:32 pm PDT, May 21,
Kate Boucher, Connecticut
# 131:
6:50 pm PDT, May 20,
Sandra Mason, Connecticut
We need qualified people guiding us in the EPA, and an easing of political pressure.
We need qualified people guiding us in the EPA, and an easing of political pressure.
# 130:
1:55 pm PDT, May 20,
Raymond Smith, Florida
Gina McCarthy would be an excellent administrator for the US EPA. I had occasion to work with her in Connecticut on environmental issues and found her to be a practicable commissioner.
Gina McCarthy would be an excellent administrator for the US EPA. I had occasion to work with her in Connecticut on environmental issues and found her to be a practicable commissioner.
# 129:
10:54 am PDT, May 20,
Rochelle Reuben, Connecticut
As a Conservation Commissioner for my town (Granby, CT), I strongly urge you to do everything within your power to support clean energy and protect our environment.
As a Conservation Commissioner for my town (Granby, CT), I strongly urge you to do everything within your power to support clean energy and protect our environment.
# 128:
6:40 pm PDT, May 19,
David Jackson, Connecticut
I am Energy Chair, CT Sierra Club. Gina has the experience, is qualified for the position, and has performed her job very professionally as Commisioner of the Department of Environmental Protection in Connecticut.
I am Energy Chair, CT Sierra Club. Gina has the experience, is qualified for the position, and has performed her job very professionally as Commisioner of the Department of Environmental Protection in Connecticut.
# 127:
4:01 pm PDT, May 18,
Nancy LaPlaca, Colorado
Please, allow this excellent candidate to be approved and DO HER JOB!
Please, allow this excellent candidate to be approved and DO HER JOB!
# 126:
10:10 am PDT, May 18,
William Burgeson, Florida
Its seems very autocratic that a single senator has this power. If this is a democratic republic, shouldn't the nominee be heard by the Senate and a vote determine the outcome. The good Senator from Wyoming can appeal through open forum to his colleagues during the hearings and subsequent debate. Blocking it just seems wrong and undemocratic.
Its seems very autocratic that a single senator has this power. If this is a democratic republic, shouldn't the nominee be heard by the Senate and a vote determine the outcome. The good Senator from Wyoming can appeal through open forum to his colleagues during the hearings and subsequent debate. Blocking it just seems wrong and undemocratic.
# 125:
7:33 am PDT, May 18,
Laura McMillan, Connecticut
Gina McCarthy has an excellent record in two states and it would be a great gain for the nation to have her in a federal position. She's earned the respect of diverse constituencies in CT for her balanced approach to the job--she is a committed and ambitious defender of the environment who is nevertheless fair and able to work effectively across the aisle and with business interests. I urge you to let Gina McCarthy's nomination go forward so she can get to work.
Gina McCarthy has an excellent record in two states and it would be a great gain for the nation to have her in a federal position. She's earned the respect of diverse constituencies in CT for her balanced approach to the job--she is a committed and ambitious defender of the environment who is nevertheless fair and able to work effectively across the aisle and with business interests. I urge you to let Gina McCarthy's nomination go forward so she can get to work.
# 124:
7:06 am PDT, May 18,
Name not displayed, Connecticut
# 123:
3:52 am PDT, May 18,
Amanda Nesheim, Minnesota
# 121:
4:27 pm PDT, May 17,
David Wright, Connecticut
# 120:
4:15 pm PDT, May 17,
Kenny Foscue, MPH, Connecticut
As an employee of the state health department in CT, I have worked directly with Gina McCarthy. She is emminently qualified for this position, and is an incredibly creative person! Please vote to seat this important nominee.
As an employee of the state health department in CT, I have worked directly with Gina McCarthy. She is emminently qualified for this position, and is an incredibly creative person! Please vote to seat this important nominee.
# 119:
6:53 am PDT, May 17,
Name not displayed, Connecticut
# 118:
10:52 am PDT, May 16,
Henry Lord, Connecticut
Gina McCarthy, DEP Commisioner of Connecticut, is eminently qualified to assume a position in the EPA dealing with air pollution, including issues related to global warming/climate change. She believes in science, not fantasy. The overwhelming majority of the most respected scientists & scientific bodies, both in the US & abroad have come to the point of agreement on the risks posed by these issues. Senator Barasso is just plain wrong on this issue. I hope he will demonstrate some maturity and objectiveness and stop the "hold" he's placed on this superbly qualified candidate for the EPA.
Gina McCarthy, DEP Commisioner of Connecticut, is eminently qualified to assume a position in the EPA dealing with air pollution, including issues related to global warming/climate change. She believes in science, not fantasy. The overwhelming majority of the most respected scientists & scientific bodies, both in the US & abroad have come to the point of agreement on the risks posed by these issues. Senator Barasso is just plain wrong on this issue. I hope he will demonstrate some maturity and objectiveness and stop the "hold" he's placed on this superbly qualified candidate for the EPA.
# 117:
8:18 pm PDT, May 15,
Robert Andrews, Connecticut
# 116:
4:42 pm PDT, May 15,
Paul Farrell, Connecticut
# 115:
1:25 pm PDT, May 15,
Judi Friedman, Connecticut
The entire planet had an air, water and pollution problem. It is hurting our health and our future.
The entire planet had an air, water and pollution problem. It is hurting our health and our future.
# 114:
1:02 pm PDT, May 15,
Maureen Teubert, Wisconsin
# 113:
12:42 pm PDT, May 15,
Richard Whitehouse, Connecticut
# 112:
11:55 am PDT, May 15,
Brian Urbaszewski, Illinois
the 9 million people in Chicago still are forced to breathe air that fails to meet minimal federal standards, standards that are themselves inadequate and do not protect public health as mandated by the federal Clean Air Act. We need someone that will strongly enforce the nations laws designed to protect and preserve the public's health.
the 9 million people in Chicago still are forced to breathe air that fails to meet minimal federal standards, standards that are themselves inadequate and do not protect public health as mandated by the federal Clean Air Act. We need someone that will strongly enforce the nations laws designed to protect and preserve the public's health.
# 111:
11:47 am PDT, May 15,
Shana Udvardy, Georgia
# 110:
11:12 am PDT, May 15,
Ryan Bodanyi, Michigan
We need clean air!
We need clean air!
# 109:
10:58 am PDT, May 15,
Jonathan Hull, Georgia
# 108:
10:08 am PDT, May 15,
Michael Okrent, Connecticut
It is imperative that President Obama's nominees be reviewed for their credentials and not on the President's platform. In particular the EPA nominee's appointment is essential to taking action on the problems with our pollution and other environmental issues. We need both parties to view our nation's environmental concerns in a non-partisan way. Please act on removing the log jams to confirming the nominees for these vital positions immediately.
It is imperative that President Obama's nominees be reviewed for their credentials and not on the President's platform. In particular the EPA nominee's appointment is essential to taking action on the problems with our pollution and other environmental issues. We need both parties to view our nation's environmental concerns in a non-partisan way. Please act on removing the log jams to confirming the nominees for these vital positions immediately.
# 107:
10:05 am PDT, May 15,
Katherine Moore, Georgia
It is imperative that public service officials serve the public! I cannot emphasize enough my concern on the health of our environment and the quality of life it effects. I am disgusted that any appointment, much less such a critical one, be held up by petty differences. The national community has made clear its desire that attention be paid to our environment. The US Senate needs to get out of the way. If you aren't helping, as the saying goes, you are hurting. Let's move forward!
It is imperative that public service officials serve the public! I cannot emphasize enough my concern on the health of our environment and the quality of life it effects. I am disgusted that any appointment, much less such a critical one, be held up by petty differences. The national community has made clear its desire that attention be paid to our environment. The US Senate needs to get out of the way. If you aren't helping, as the saying goes, you are hurting. Let's move forward!
# 106:
9:59 am PDT, May 15,
Tiffany Witmer, Connecticut
# 105:
9:42 am PDT, May 15,
Rebecca Hull, Georgia
We need to act immediately to reverse the build-up of greenhouse gas emissions, and President Obama's appointment can help us get there.
We need to act immediately to reverse the build-up of greenhouse gas emissions, and President Obama's appointment can help us get there.
# 104:
9:22 am PDT, May 15,
Katchen Coley, Connecticut
She has placed Ct. in a leadership position of Climate Change issues. SShe has proven herself here and there fore would be an excellent person to lead us nationally on these issues.
She has placed Ct. in a leadership position of Climate Change issues. SShe has proven herself here and there fore would be an excellent person to lead us nationally on these issues.
# 103:
9:08 am PDT, May 15,
Shana Hausman, Massachusetts
# 102:
8:07 am PDT, May 15,
Gerald Geci, Connecticut
Of course our air should be as clean as we want to be for our own children!
Of course our air should be as clean as we want to be for our own children!
# 101:
7:42 am PDT, May 15,
John Champion, Connecticut
Gina McCarthy has been a terrific advocate for clean air in Connecticut and would be an excellent advocate for an effective national policy. Please work to confirm her nomination. Connecticut's loss is the nations's gain.
Gina McCarthy has been a terrific advocate for clean air in Connecticut and would be an excellent advocate for an effective national policy. Please work to confirm her nomination. Connecticut's loss is the nations's gain.
