Mike Krancer, chairman of the Environmental Hearing Board, announced this week he stepped down to devote his full attention to being a candidate for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on the May 15 Primary Election ballot.

Gov. Rendell announced the appointment of Judge Thomas W. Renwand of Allegheny County as the acting chairman of the Environmental Hearing Board.

"I want to focus my complete time, energy and resources to my campaign for Justice of the Supreme Court," said Krancer. "Pennsylvanians deserve and expect public servants to be public servants full time. I am adhering to that expectation and doing what I believe is the right thing to do."

Krancer served as judge for eight years on the Environmental Hearing Board, which is the first step in appealing all actions of the Department of Environmental Protection. He was first nominated by Gov.Ridge in 1999 and then named Chief Judge and Chairman in 2003 by Gov. Rendell.

"I thank Gov. Rendell for his confidence in me and I am extremely humbled by this appointment," Judge Renwand said. "I also wish to thank outgoing Chief Judge Mike Krancer for his outstanding service and leadership of the board."

Judge Renwand was originally nominated to the board by Gov. Casey in 1994. He was renominated by Gov. Ridge in 1995 and unanimously confirmed by the Senate. In 2002, he was nominated to a second term by Governor Mark S. Schweiker and again unanimously confirmed by the Senate. He is the second judge seated in Pittsburgh to lead the board.

The Environmental Hearing Board is composed of five administrative law judges nominated by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. Presently serving with Judge Renwand on the board are Judges George J. Miller, Michelle A. Coleman, and Bernard A. Labuskes, Jr.

NewsClip: Supreme Court Hopeful Steps Down From Hearing Board

4/13/2007