For immediate release
January 10, 2023
Contact: Josh Raulerson, Director of Communications
412-209-7982
PEC Applauds Governor-Elect Shapiro’s Nominations for DCNR and DEP
Building Agency Strengths Sets the Right Tone
Pittsburgh — The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) praised Governor-elect Josh Shapiro’s nomination of Cindy Dunn to continue as Secretary of the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR), and Richard Negrin as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Davitt Woodwell, President of PEC, offered the following statement in support of the nominations.
Secretary Dunn’s leadership at DCNR over the past eight years has been a tremendous asset to our Commonwealth. Cindy recognizes the critical value of public lands and recreation in our economy and day-to-day quality of life. The COVID pandemic underscored how our 2.5 million acres of state parks and forests, and our thousands of miles of trails, are a treasure for Pennsylvanians. We look forward to working with Secretary Dunn and DCNR to expand Pennsylvania’s recreational economy, whose $14 billion annual impact is so important to businesses and communities in every corner of the Commonwealth, and to create new connections for residents and visitors alike to our irreplaceable natural resources.
Richard Negrin’s broad personal and professional experience demonstrates an ability to not only lead but – equally importantly – help reinvigorate DEP. Tasked with the vital mission of protecting Pennsylvania on a daunting array of responsibilities, DEP, with sufficient support and direction, can help lead Pennsylvania toward the economy of the future and a truly restorative environment. This is the moment to view investment in our resource agencies as equal investment in our communities, businesses, and the people of Pennsylvania.
We commend Governor-elect Shapiro for these nominations, and look forward to working with his Administration on advancing Pennsylvania’s leadership on environmental, conservation, and recreation initiatives.
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The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) protects and restores the natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education and advocacy. PEC believes in the value of partnerships with the private sector, government, communities and individuals to improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians. Learn more about our program and policy work at www.pecpa.org.