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Governor Rendell Nominates John Hanger for DEP Secretary; Appoints James Cawley PUC ChairmanCawley to Seek Commission Support for HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Hanger has served as the president and chief executive officer of Citizens forPennsylvania's Future, or PennFuture, for the past 10 years. Cawley has served as a member of the PUC from 1979 to 1985 and from 2005 until the present. He was made vice-chairman in 2005. " "While John has been an ardent champion for the environment, he's also been a pragmatist who recognizes the economic opportunities we can gain while protecting our natural resources. He understands that businesses looking to grow and create jobs inPennsylvania need DEP to be responsive and reasonable in conducting their regulatory duties. As secretary, he will build upon our efforts to ensure businesses can operate in the commonwealth without unnecessary regulations, but can do so while complying with the state's environmental laws." Hanger was an instrumental figure who helped to shape many of the state's prominent policy discussions while leading PennFuture, including the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard Act of 2004, the Governor's Growing Greener II initiative in 2005,Pennsylvania's clean vehicles program, and the recently signed legislation creating alternative energy and alternative fuels investment funds. "We've made tremendous progress over the past six years to improve our environment, encourage economic development, and build a new energy economy, but we still have challenges before us," said the Governor, who cited the need to protect electricity consumers against at least "John has, in some way, been involved with each of our accomplishments and he understands the challenges we're facing," said the Governor. "His reputation as one of the state's leading environmental voices and his experience and relationships here inHarrisburg with legislators, stakeholders and the administration will prove to be a valuable asset as we work to make a better, cleaner and healthierPennsylvania for our 12.4 million residents. I urge the Senate to act promptly and confirm his nomination." "I want to thank the Governor for his leadership on the environment and energy issues," said Hanger. "I look forward to working with the dedicated and talented staff at DEP to serve the people ofPennsylvania." Prior to his time with PennFuture, Hanger was a member of the Public Utility Commission from 1993 until 1998. As a commissioner, he served on the electricity and consumer affairs committees and advocated for competition among the electric, gas and telephone companies; for policies that help low-income families, as well as practices that benefit the environment, such as net metering, energy conservation and renewable energy development. Before becoming commissioner, Hanger served as legal counsel to PUC Commissioner He is a 1979 graduate of Governor Rendell also praised the skills, experience and vision of "Jim is an expert in utility regulation and utility law and he shares my commitment to promoting and expanding our use of alternative energy and conservation measures to reduce demand," said the Governor. "It may be the most challenging time in our recent history to chair the PUC, but I am convinced that, with his experience, Jim is capable of stepping forward and leading the commission." Cawley is a 1967 graduate of He went on to serve as majority counsel to the state Senate Consumer Affairs Committee, where he drafted several major amendments toPennsylvania's public utility laws. In 1977, he was appointed chief counsel to the Senate majority floor leader. Cawley has twice been nominated and confirmed as a member of the PUC, serving from 1979 until 1985. On April 25, 2005, Governor Rendell nominated him to return to the commission -- a position to which he was confirmed on June 9, 2005. He resides inCumberland County. "I am honored to have the Governor's confidence in my ability to serve in this position, especially at a time when energy prices are rising and people need to know what can be done to manage higher utility bills," said Cawley. "I look forward to working with the administration to protect consumers, especially through expanded energy conservation and efficiency programs and programs that aid low-income families." The Governor said Cawley intends to ask the commission to support Commissioner Governor Rendell said Hanger's experience and commitment to environmental issues and Cawley's leadership at the PUC will better positionPennsylvania to emerge as a leader in renewable energy development and energy conservation. "John has known Jim for a long time and I expect that their relationship will help us find a way to help consumers reduce their electricity demand and save money, while also expanding the amount of alternative energy generated and purchased in this state," said Governor Rendell. "I continue to believe thatPennsylvania can, and must, be the national leader when it comes to energy. Whether it's research, generation or making the components that make alternative energy and fuels or conservation possible, we must lead the pack. "The sticker shock that we feel from high gas and utility prices today will be nothing compared to what will occur over the next decade if our nation doesn't develop and take advantage of more alternative and renewable options," the Governor said. The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us. CONTACT: 717-783-1116 SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor Tags: ,POL,PER,STP,PA-Rendell-appointees _ _     Is your favorite bookmark site missing? Ask for it. |
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