Washington, DC - Today, the Environment and Public Works Committee approved the nomination of Regina McCarthy to be Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during a business meeting. The EPW Committee held a nomination hearing for Regina McCarthy on April 2. The nomination was approved by voice vote and now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, made the following opening statement at today's business meeting:

"This morning the Environment and Public Works Committee will vote on President Obama's nomination of Gina McCarthy to be Assistant Administrator of the Office of Air and Radiation at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency."

"This nomination is especially important to the people of my state. California faces some of the most dangerous air pollution issues in the country. The Office of Air and Radiation oversees the development of national programs, policies, and regulations for addressing air pollution and radiation exposure."

"I am pleased that President Obama has selected someone with such a strong background in clean air protection for this critical role at EPA. Gina McCarthy comes to this position with nearly three decades of experience in public service, and a unique record of accomplishment in addressing air pollution - including global warming pollution - at the state level in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Gina McCarthy was appointed by a Republican Governor, Jodi Rell of Connecticut, and brings to this role a spirit of bipartisanship that I greatly appreciate."

"I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this nomination."

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