Gov. Tom Wolf Friday named Patrick McDonnell Acting Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection following the resignation of John Quigley from the position.

“I thank John Quigley for his service to the Commonwealth, and I look forward to working with Patrick McDonnell while he serves as Acting Secretary,” said Gov. Wolf.

John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said, “I look forward to working with interim Secretary Patrick McDonnell and the Republican and Democrat members of the General Assembly to put this matter behind us and move forward on the important matters before the Environmental and Energy Resource Committee like the Clean Energy Plan and Chapter 78 regulations governing the oil and gas industry.”

Patrick McDonnell was most recently the director of policy for the Department of Environmental Protection, where he oversaw the agency’s regulation and policy development processes.

"My years here have taught me that DEP is one of the best teams to be a part of in the Commonwealth," McDonnell said in an email to staff. "Together I know we will continue to carry on some of the most vital work in state government."

In addition, Mr. McDonnell ran the State Energy Office and was charged with coordination of renewable energy and energy efficiency issues.

Prior to returning to DEP, Mr. McDonnell was executive policy manager for former Commissioner Pamela A. Witmer of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, focusing on electric, natural gas and water issues as well as cybersecurity and the impact of environmental regulation on energy markets.

Previously, Mr. McDonnell spent 13 years with DEP in a variety of roles. As deputy secretary for administration, he managed the budget, human resources, information technology and oversaw the facilities management functions of the agency.

He also previously served as policy director and as an assistant to the special deputy secretary. He began his career at DEP working in the State Energy Office on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green building projects.

Mr. McDonnell received his Master’s degree in Political Science from Lehigh University and his Bachelor’s Degree in Politics from DeSales University.

NewsClips:

AP: Wolf Says Environmental Protection Secretary Has Resigned

Thompson: DEP Secretary Quigley Resigns State Post In Wake Of Email Flap

Thompson: Quigley Too Green For PA Politics, Or Impertinent?

DEP Chief Resigns After Email Controversy

Wolf Says Environmental Protection Secretary Resigns

Pennsylvania Environmental Secretary Resigns

Wolf’s Environmental Chief Out Following Email Controversy

Did Email From DEP Chief Cross A Line?

Thompson: Environmental Groups Ads Seen As Dem On Dem Crime

Roddy: The Real Story Behind Quigley’s Mystery Mail?

5/23/2016