PennEnvironment Responds to Resignation of DEP Secretary Krancer

PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center

(Philadelphia) – In response to Governor Corbett’s announcement that Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Michael Krancer will step down April 15, PennEnvironment’s David Masur released the following statement:

“Now more than ever, PennEnvironment recognizes the importance of a DEP Secretary who will hold the long-term protection clean air, our thousands of miles of rivers and waterways, precious open spaces , and public health above all else.

“The commonwealth needs a DEP chief who will fight for the protection of our environment—now and for future generations. Pennsylvania’s next DEP Secretary must be one who:

⦁ Supports updating Pennsylvania’s regulations to protect our air, waterways, health and land from dangerous gas drilling activities;
⦁ Supports efforts to significantly increase the proportion of clean, homegrown renewable energy sources like wind and solar power and prioritize boosting energy efficiency and conservation programs;
⦁ Prioritizes tackling global warming in a real and significant way by reigning in pollution from vehicles, power plants and gas extraction facilities;
⦁ Utilizes creative ways to increase resources and staffing for DEP in order to manage the growing need for more and better enforcement and communication to residents, especially as gas drilling activities increase throughout the state.

“In addition, it’s crucial that any DEP Secretary is open and willing to engage with all parties, even those who might disagree with the Department’s or Administration’s actions, positions or policies.

“We look forward to learning more about the Secretary’s potential replacement and hope to be able to work more with the Department in the future.”