The state Senate unanimously approved the promotion of Acting Secretary of Environmental Protection Patrick McDonnell to Secretary of Environmental Protection.  

“From the water we drink to the air we breathe, DEP touches all aspects of life and the economy in Pennsylvania. That’s why it is important to have a leader like Patrick McDonnell at the helm. I look forward to working with Patrick to address the challenges the agency faces, from aging water and sewer infrastructure to tackling climate change and its effects on Pennsylvania’s environment and economy,” Governor Tom Wolf said in a statement after the vote.  

Prior to serving as Secretary, McDonnell was the director of policy for the DEP.  McDonnell has worked for DEP for 20 years.

“Patrick brings a breadth of experience to the Department of Environmental Protection, with his more than 20 years of government service. His deep knowledge of DEP’s mission, policies, and processes are why I chose him to lead an agency that plays such an important role in Pennsylvanians’ lives,” Wolf continued.