EPA nominee discusses priorities at confirmation hearing
The confirmation hearing for Gina McCarthy to head EPA held few surprises, and she is widely expected to be confirmed. But her testimony before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee does offer clues to where she could lead the agency.
McCarthy, who was a panelist at The Washington Auto Show Affordable Mobility Summit in January, emphasized the importance of combatting climate change. Facing that challenge with increased focus and commitment is perhaps the greatest obligation we have to future generations, she told the committee.
Under her leadership, McCarthy said the EPA would work to regulate carbon emissions, which courts have determined are a pollutant under the Clean Air Act. She added that the agency could do that while ensuring the economy continues to grow.
McCarthy described the process behind EPAs decision last year to nearly double fuel economy standards by 2025 as the best way to reach environmental decisions. These standards reflect the joint work of states, the automobile industry and labor, as well as the federal government, she said reiterating the idea that environmental protections do not come solely out of government or out of Washington.
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