Sen McKinney Named To DEP Commissioner Search Panel

HARTFORD — State Senator John McKinney, R-28 (Fairfield, Easton, Newtown and Weston), has been appointed by Governor M. Jodi Rell to a 13-member panel that will conduct a national search for a new commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Sen McKinney is one of two state legislators chosen by the governor to be a part of the committee that is made up of members of Connecticut’s leading environmental and business organizations.

“I am truly honored to be chosen by Governor Rell to be included in this search committee,” said Sen McKinney who serves as ranking member of the legislature’s Environment Committee. “The purpose of this committee is to gather input from a diverse number of environmental interests in the hope of finding an individual who would be respected by environmental and business groups alike. I think this is a very smart move by the governor to create this committee so the person who runs the state’s environmental agency is a consensus choice.”

Sen McKinney has served in the General Assembly since 1999. The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) recently recognized Sen McKinney for his leadership in protecting the environment through his work on clean cars and endangered land legislation.

“Traditionally there’s been a great deal of scrutiny to the position of Commissioner of Environmental Protection. I think it is important that the next commissioner has the support of all environmental interests,” said Sen McKinney. “Through this panel we will be able to recommend to the governor individuals who are committed to our environment and who, like the governor has said, recognizes the need for continued economic growth.”