NRDC: GOP Obstructs Vote on Key Public Health and Environment Leader

WASHINGTON–(ENEWSPF)–May 9, 2013 – A boycott by Republicans delayed a vote planned today in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on the nomination of Gina McCarthy to head the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Following is a statement from Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council:

“Make no mistake: Today’s political theater by Senate Republicans jeopardizes the health and well-being of our children and families across our great nation. Gina McCarthy answered more than 1,000 questions from committee Democrats and Republicans. She has met with 42 senators, including repeatedly with Senator Vitter. And clearly there is no one better qualified to lead the EPA now.

“Committee Republicans should abandon their obstructionism and allow a vote on this outstanding nominee who has served under Democrats and Republicans to protect our air, water, land and health. The American people deserve to have a well-qualified leader for the agency that safeguards our health, not political games waged at our expense.”

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 1.4 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world’s natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Livingston, Montana, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.