Coal is 'a vital resource,' says Obama's pick for EPA's air office

Gina McCarthy — President Obama's pick to head U.S. EPA's air office — talked to a Senate committee yesterday about the important role coal has in America’s energy future.

Here’s what she had to say: “I agree with the president in his assessment that coal is a vital resource to the nation and it will remain so for a considerable amount of time.”

We look forward to working with McCarthy and all of President Obama’s team on striking a balance between reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting America’s energy security and holding down energy costs for consumers.