WASHINGTON, DC (May 16, 2013) – Today, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted to advance Gina McCarthy’s nomination to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Her nomination will now go to the Senate floor for consideration. The following is a statement from BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director David Foster:

“The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee finally did the right thing today. Gina McCarthy is the right person to lead the Environmental Protection Agency as we work to combat the effects of climate change, strengthen and renew efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions, and better protect public health.

“Addressing the effects of climate change today in a way that both protects the environment and creates jobs is a critically important opportunity that we can’t afford to miss. The next leader of EPA will have pivotal role in how America plans for and implements a strategy that makes our energy systems cleaner and more efficient, safeguards communities from extreme weather and toxic chemicals, and strengthens our transit and water infrastructure systems to reduce carbon pollution and helps us build a more robust economy. We urge the Senate to quickly approve Gina McCarthy’s nomination.”