Gov. Rendell announced the resignation this week of Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty, effective July 18.

DEP Executive Deputy Secretary Joseph Powers was named Acting Secretary until a replacement can be named.

"Katie's tenure as DEP secretary has been marked by many achievements that will have a lasting benefit for this commonwealth," said Gov. Rendell. "From her first day in office, she brought a unique perspective to the way we view environmental challenges: that those challenges are economic opportunities in disguise. Operating under that philosophy, Pennsylvania has become a center of progress and innovation.

"Her tenacity and passion have resulted in a stronger Pennsylvania on issues that are critical to protecting our land, air, water and climate. She has been a driving force in my administration, greatly improving the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians by fostering a cleaner environment and a stronger economy. Her vision, leadership and counsel will be missed."

Pennsylvania established itself as a leader in the development of alternative and renewable energy sources during Secretary McGinty's term as DEP secretary, with one of the nation's most ambitious alternative energy portfolio standards that lead to more than $1 billion in private investment in projects that have created more than 3,500 jobs.

Her efforts also helped to produce the recently passed $650 million investment fund that will help consumers save money by reducing their energy consumption, while also growing the state's renewable energy industry and creating at least 10,000 additional jobs.

Under Secretary McGinty, the Commonwealth reclaimed hundreds of dangerous abandoned mines and improved the quality of the state's waterways by instituting 'nutrient trading' and other innovations that encourage land preservation, conservation and riparian buffers over capital-, chemical-, and energy-intensive conventional approaches to water pollution.

DEP revamped its permitting review processes to encourage the re-development of older properties and ensure that economic development and environmental protection projects can get underway more quickly and at less of a cost to the applicants.

Secretary McGinty's leadership also helped to revamp the state's antiquated mine safety procedures through historic new legislation that overhauled the Commonwealth's 120-year-old mine safety law.

As DEP secretary, the department instituted new regulations requiring cleaner-running and more fuel-efficient cars and light-duty trucks, adopted a state-specific mercury reduction rule for coal-fired power plants that far exceeds weaker federal standards, and revitalized thousands of acres of brownfields.

Secretary McGinty did not announce her future plans.

Gov. Rendell also announced the appointment of DEP Executive Deputy Secretary Joseph Powers as Acting Secretary until a replacement can be found, saying, "I have great confidence in Joe Powers' ability to direct an important agency that works hard to protect our environment, as well as the health and safety of every Pennsylvania resident.”

Prior to joining the Rendell administration, Powers worked in a number of policy development and committee management positions within the General Assembly. He also was chief of staff to the Lieutenant Governor from 1987 to 1993. He has taught Political Science classes at several universities and holds a bachelor's degree from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia.

NewsClips: McGinty Steps Down At PA DEP

PennFuture Exit Interview With Secretary McGinty

Links: Biography of Kathleen McGinty

Secretary McGinty’s Awards and Honors

Secretary McGinty’s Remarks, Testimonies and Letters

DEP Annual Accomplishment Reports

PA Environmental Milestones – 1995-2002

7/11/2008