Clean Air Council Statement on Confirmation of Patrick McDonnell as Secretary of Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHILADELPHIA, PA (May 22, 2017) – Today, the Pennsylvania legislature confirmed Patrick McDonnell as Secretary of Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  In response, Joseph Otis Minott, Esq., Executive Director and Chief Counsel of the Clean Air Council, released the following statement:

“The Council congratulates Secretary McDonnell on his confirmation. I look forward to working with him on his top environmental priority – air pollution standards for the oil and gas industry. Pennsylvania is the second largest producer of natural gas and is responsible for emitting over 130,000 tons of methane pollution per year from the oil and gas industry.  It is high time that this department fulfills the promise Governor Wolf made a year and a half ago to cut methane from new and existing natural gas operations. Pennsylvanians deserve nothing less.”

About Clean Air Council

Clean Air Council is Pennsylvania’s oldest member-supported environmental nonprofit, fighting for everyone’s right to breathe clean air since 1967. Through research, public education and advocacy, the Council empowers citizens to fight for policies and practices that create healthier communities and a healthier environment. Clean Air Council believes everyone has a right to breathe clean air. For more information about Clean Air Council, visit www.cleanair.org.