To The Editor:

We have all read about the dramatic increase in carbon in our atmosphere, and whether we believe it is caused by humans or is just a natural cyclical phenomenon, we all must agree we humans have to work toward reducing the frightening numbers or bear the consequences.

Gina McCarthy, President Obama’s nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, should be confirmed swiftly by the U.S. Senate, where she is awaiting a vote.

McCarthy is a highly qualified nominee with a decadeslong record of working to protect public health and the environment. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved her nomination May 23.

Throughout her threedecade career, McCarthy has shown an ability to reach across the aisle to work with Republicans, Democrats, industry leaders, automakers and public health advocates to develop pragmatic and costeffective safeguards that protect public health and reduce carbon pollution.

One such public health safeguard is the carbon pollution standard proposed by the EPA, which has been delayed since last April. To address the devastating impacts of climate change we have already started to feel, the Obama administration should lay out a plan for finalizing the Carbon Pollution Standard immediately, then turn its focus to existing power plants.

Once confirmed as the next EPA administrator, McCarthy can focus on this important public health protection, which will help address the causes of climate change, make our kids and families healthier and spark investment in newer, cleaner energy technology.

We urge U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and the full U.S. Senate to confirm Gina McCarthy to lead the EPA. Once confirmed, she can get to work implementing the carbon pollution standard she helped develop.

Sandra & Ole Jaeger
Georgetown