Governor Rendell Appoints Joseph R. Powers As Acting Pennsylvania DEP Secretary

    HARRISBURG, Pa., July 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G.
Rendell today appointed Joseph R. Powers as acting secretary of the
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Powers has served as
executive deputy secretary at DEP since 2003.

    "I have great confidence in Joe Powers' ability to direct an important
agency that works hard to protect our environment, as well as the health
and safety of every Pennsylvania resident," said Governor Rendell.

    Powers' appointment is effective July 19. He will serve until a
permanent successor is named.

    Prior to joining the Rendell administration, Powers worked in a number
of policy development and committee management positions within the General
Assembly. He also was chief of staff to the Lieutenant Governor from 1987
to 1993. He has taught Political Science classes at several universities
and holds a bachelor's degree from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia.

    DEP is the state agency primarily responsible for administering
environmental laws and regulations. It works to: reduce air pollution; make
sure drinking water is safe; protect water quality in rivers and streams;
make sure waste is handled properly; support community renewal and
revitalization; promote advanced energy technology; and help citizens
prevent pollution and comply with environmental regulations.

    More information about DEP is available at http://www.depweb.state.pa.us.

Source: The Patriot-News, PRNewsWire