Press Releases

D.C.- President Obama announced today that he is nominating Gina McCarthy to head the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). McCarthy is currently the Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, which oversees air quality policy implementation. Western Caucus Chairman Steve Pearce released the following statement in response to the announcement:

“McCarthy’s past actions tell us that she will be hard on jobs, energy independence and a healthy economy as EPA Administrator. For instance, her decisions to shut down many coal-fired power plants resulted in tens of thousands of layoffs. I worry that under McCarthy, the EPA will continue to over regulate jobs in industries such as oil, coal and natural gas at the cost of American jobs and energy security. Her ideas are counterproductive to the health of the economy and future job growth, which would be harmful to both New Mexico and the country as a whole.”

The mission of the Western Caucus, which is in its twentieth year, is to enhance, sustain, and preserve the West’s dynamic and unique culture, and to find innovative solutions that address the distinctive concerns facing western and rural communities. The Western Caucus is also committed to protecting private property, strengthening local control, promoting economic growth, and increasing energy independence.

For more information about the Congressional Western Caucus, please visitwww.westerncaucus.pearce.house.gov.