HARRISBURG – State Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) today announced that the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee will be holding a confirmation hearing on Tuesday, May 9th, at 9AM in Room 8-EA East Wing of the State Capitol Building, to consider the nomination of Patrick McDonnell, who has been nominated by Governor Tom Wolf to serve as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
If approved by the Committee and confirmed by the full Senate, Mr. McDonnell would succeed John Quigley as Secretary of the Department, who resigned in May 2016.
Prior to serving as Acting DEP Secretary, Mr. McDonnell served as director of policy for the Department, where he oversaw the agency’s regulation and policy development processes. In addition, Mr. McDonnell ran the State Energy Office and was charged with coordination of renewable energy and energy efficiency issues.
Prior to returning to DEP, Mr. McDonnell was executive policy manager for former Commissioner Pamela A. Witmer of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, focusing on electric, natural gas and water issues as well as cybersecurity and the impact of environmental regulation on energy markets.
Previously, Mr. McDonnell spent 13 years with DEP in a variety of roles. As deputy secretary for administration, he managed the budget, human resources, information technology and oversaw the facilities management functions of the agency. He also previously served as policy director and as an assistant to the special deputy secretary. He began his career at DEP working in the State Energy Office on energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green building projects.
Tuesday’s confirmation hearing will be streamed LIVE at www.senatorgeneyaw.com.
CONTACT:
Adam Pankake, Executive Director
Environmental Resources & Energy Committee
(717) 787-3280