Sen. Mary Jo White

The Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee this week took exception to a Harrisburg Patriot-News editorial saying recently appointed acting Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection was an excellent choice to head the agency.

In a letter to the Patriot released to the press, Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango) said--

“With respect to the Patriot News' endorsement of John Hanger for DEP Secretary, you claim that it is Mr. Hanger's strong advocacy for the environment that has led to run-ins with legislators. That's just not accurate.

“There are a lot of environmental advocates – Republicans and Democrats – who have worked collaboratively to advance sound environmental policies for Pennsylvania. The water resources planning, mercury reduction, vehicle emissions and Growing Greener expansion bills all passed the Senate with strong, bipartisan support. Yet in each case, the Governor's nominee issued personal attacks against those who dared to disagree with his all-or-nothing approach. That's not a responsible way to craft public policy.

“It is reasonable for the Senate to ask if this nominee is the best choice for this important position.”

NewsClips: Editorial: Environmental Advocate At DEP Good Choice

Editorial: Hanger Is Ideal For Rendell’s Environmental Agenda

Editorial: Hanger Is Ideal For Rendell’s Agenda

Nominee To Head State DEP Faces Many Challenges

8/29/2008