The Senate Monday voted unanimously to confirm Patrick McDonnell as the 8th Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection since its formation in 1995.  He has served as Acting DEP Secretary since May 20, 2016.

“Patrick brings a breadth of experience to the Department of Environmental Protection, with his more than 20 years of government service,” said Gov. Wolf.  “His deep knowledge of DEP’s mission, policies, and processes are why I chose him to lead an agency that plays such an important role in Pennsylvanians’ lives.

“From the water we drink to the air we breathe, DEP touches all aspects of life and the economy in Pennsylvania. That’s why it is important to have a leader like Patrick McDonnell at the helm.

“I look forward to working with Patrick to address the challenges the agency faces, from aging water and sewer infrastructure to tackling climate change and its effects on Pennsylvania’s environment and economy,” added Gov. Wolf.

Secretary McDonnell formally took the oath of office on Thursday morning, with Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro Cortes presiding, and his wife Colleen and four children supporting. (photo)

Prior to serving as Acting DEP Secretary, Mr. McDonnell served as Director of Policy for the Department, where he oversaw the agency’s regulation and policy development processes.

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 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.

Reactions

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Pennsylvania Executive Director Harry Campbell issued the following statement following the Pennsylvania Senate’s confirmation of Patrick McDonnell as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection.

“CBF welcomes the Senate’s confirmation of Patrick McDonnell as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection.

“CBF is encouraged by the determination and commitment to clean water in Pennsylvania and the Chesapeake Bay that Patrick McDonnell showed during the year that he served as acting secretary of DEP.

“With 19,000 miles of Pennsylvania rivers and streams harmed by pollution, the challenges are great and the Commonwealth must get back on track toward meeting its clean water commitments.

“CBF looks forward to continuing to work with Secretary McDonnell to achieve the clean water that Pennsylvanians deserve.”

For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA webpage.  Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left column).  Click Here to become a member.

NewsClip:

Cusick: Senate Confirms McDonnell As Environmental Secretary

Related Story:

Acting DEP Secretary McDonnell’s Opening Statement At His Confirmation Hearing

[Posted: May 22, 2017]

5/29/2017