Where We Live: From The DEP To The EPA

The federal EPA is under attack. From Republican lawmakers and some businesses who say their regulations choke off commerce...and from some environmentalists who think they haven’t been forceful enough in safeguarding our air, water and land.

Our recent program looked at several bills, passed in the House, that would weaken the EPA’s regulatory authority. Some Midwest states are challenging new rules going into effect in January that would force them to reduce harmful emissions that float downwind into our airspace.

Gina McCarthy is a veteran of these fights. As Commissioner of Connecticut’s DEP, she forged interstate alliances to combat air pollution - now she’s Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, overseeing such hot-button issues as clean air act enforcement and climate change.