With time running down before a state Constitutional deadline, the Pennsylvania Senate confirmed another nominee for Gov. Josh Shapiro’s cabinet – Rich Negrin – as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

In this role, Negrin will lead the Department’s mission to protect Pennsylvania’s air, land and water from pollution and to provide for the health and safety of its citizens through a cleaner environment, while increasing permitting efficiency to better serve Pennsylvanians.

Negrin is the 15th appointee to be confirmed by the chamber. There are still remaining appointments to be considered by the Senate. Article IV, Sec. 8 (b) of PA constitution says Senate needs to act on governor’s cabinet nominees within 25 legislative days. If they don’t “the nominee shall take office as if the appointment had been consented to by the Senate.

“I am deeply honored to serve the Commonwealth as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection,” said Negrin. “Under the leadership of Governor Shapiro, we are dedicated to ensuring all Pennsylvanians will  enjoy their right to drinkable water, breathable air and the preservation of the many values of our environment.

The first Latino Secretary of DEP, Negrin brings more than 35 years of public and private sector leadership to the Department. He has also served as City Manager & Deputy Mayor of Administration & Coordination of the City of Philadelphia.

Since being nominated by Governor Shapiro, Negrin has worked with the Governor, and other agencies to quickly respond to and assess the impact of the East Palestine Derailment, and to secure the health and wellbeing of Pennsylvanians impacted by the derailment. He also led the response to the chemical spill in the Delaware River working quickly to ensure drinking water was safe and hold polluters accountable. Negrin has worked with the US EPA to secure millions of dollars to fight climate change with funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, and has brought in significant funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to cap orphaned and abandoned wells.

Three other cabinet nominees are in the pipeline for Senate confirmation. Al Schmidt received a favorable recommendation for Secretary of the Commonwealth, while Debra Bogen and Val Arkoosh had their nominations forwarded with no recommendation for Secretary of Health and Secretary of Human Services, respectively.