Legislative Watch: Confirmation Debates Loom
Legislative observers predict a likely clash in the NC Senate over the confirmation of Michael Regan as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
Conservationists cheered when Gov. Roy Cooper nominated the experienced Regan for the role of our state’s chief administrative guardian of public health and the environment. Regan’s record of work with the Environmental Defense Fund and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows an individual who is clearly experienced and capable in dealing with complex regulatory issues and addressing differing viewpoints, and who believes in honest science and protecting the public’s interests.
Unfortunately, it’s not at all clear that the NC Senate leadership shares those values. Furthermore, it appears that they are preparing a nomination review process which may be “more rigorous” than just screening for basic qualifications and potential conflicts of interest. If the Senate majority decides that its role is to substitute its own judgment for that of the Governor regarding the public service philosophy of his top executive branch officials, then a confrontation is inevitable.
The right-wing Civitas Institute has already attacked Regan’s work history as showing his support for Obama Administration climate action efforts. (Well, duh, as the young folks say. Were they expecting Cooper to name another weasel to guard the environmental hen house? No, that was the McCrory approach, and he is no longer the governor.)
Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger indicated to reporters that he expects the nomination review process rules to be ready this week.
