Tom Schuster, tom.schuster@sierraclub.org, 814-915-4231
Morgan Caplan, morgan.caplan@sierraclub.org
HARRISBURG - Today, Governor-elect Josh Shapiro announced his nominees for two major environmental agencies in the Commonwealth. Cindy Adams Dunn was chosen to head the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which manages PA State Parks and Forests. Secretary Dunn has served at the post since the beginning of Governor Tom Wolf’s Administration in 2015.
Shapiro also nominated Rich Negrín to serve as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Mr. Negrín has served as Managing Director of the City of Philadelphia, and as an attorney in both the public and private sectors. If confirmed, he would be the first Latino DEP Secretary.
In response, Tom Schuster, Director of the Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter, issued the following statement:
“We couldn’t be happier that Governor-elect Shapiro has recognized Secretary Dunn’s talent and commitment over the past eight years to conserving and maintaining our public lands. We’re excited to continue working with her to ensure that our parks and forests receive the investments they need and the protection they deserve.”
“We also look forward to meeting and sharing our priorities with Mr. Negrín at this time when leadership in solving the climate crisis is more important than ever. The DEP must position us to take advantage of unprecedented federal funding for critical environmental programs, and we hope his organizational management experience is a boon to the agency.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.