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Meeting McCarthy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Governor Earl Ray Tomblin said he left Washington, D.C. “encouraged” Thursday following a meeting with new Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy.

Tomblin said McCarthy was attentive during the meeting and took notes on the concerns he, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Congressman Nick Rahall (D-Third District) and others raised about a number of EPA regulatory issues. 

(Left to right) WV House of Delegates Speaker Tim Miley, WV Coal Association Vice President Chris Hamilton, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and others met Thursday with new EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy.

“She took it very well….and seemed very much interested in the concerns that we have as we spoke to her and has agreed to keep an open dialogue with us,” said Tomblin who was a guest on Thursday’s MetroNews “Talkline” shortly after Thursday’s meeting ended.

Tomblin said McCarthy, who is new to the EPA administrator role, promised to look into the issues raised and respond.  “That is the most positive thing I’ve heard out of the EPA since I’ve been governor,” said Tomblin.

McCarthy has also also been invited to visit West Virginia to see what effects the EPA’s regulations are having “on real people.”  A similar offer was made to former EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson but it was not accepted.

Tomblin said all West Virginia officials are asking for is a “reasonable” approach from the EPA.  “We’re willing to work with you, but we have to do it in a realistic way and look at the time frames,” he said.

Those who made up the West Virginia delegation are as follows:

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin

Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin

Third District Congressman Nick Rahall

Secretary of State Natalie Tennant

House Speaker Tim Miley

Kanawha County Delegate Meshea Poore, a candidate in the Second Congressional District

Former state Democratic Party Chair Nick Casey, a candidate in the Second Congressional District

Current state Democratic Party Chair Larry Puccio

Current state Democratic Party Vice Chair Belinda Biafore

Charlie Lorenson, Governor Tomblin’s Chief of Staff

Frederick William Banig, UMWA

Chris Hamilton, West Virginia Coal Association

Josh Sword, West Virginia AFL-CIO

Senate President Jeff Kessler could not attend because of travel complications.






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