Environment

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2013 — Voces Verdes, our partners and supporters which represent millions of Latinos nationwide, released a statement today in support of the nomination of Gina McCarthy to head the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Below is a statement from Dr. Elena Rios, President and CEO of the National Hispanic Medical Association and board member of Voces Verdes. “Voces Verdes applauds the nomination of Gina McCarthy as Administrator of the U.S. EPA. As assistant administrator at EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, Ms. McCarthy recognized the importance of protecting clean air and public health for communities, leading EPA’s development of clean air protections including landmark fuel-efficiency standards for cars; the first-ever proposed Carbon Pollution Standard for new power plants; and critical updates to standards that limit deadly pollution from soot, mercury and other toxics. Many in the Latino community continue to bear the brunt of pollution and environmental health impacts so we are counting on a strong leader to stand up to polluters and protect our health. Voces Verdes looks forward to working with Ms. McCarthy to ensure that EPA remains strong and focused on ensuring that every person in this country has clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and a safe environment.” ###