McLerran Cleared for Puget Sound Leadership Council Pt 2
I'm Bob Larson. Former EPA regional director Dennis McLerran will sit on the Puget Sound Leadership Council after a 'no decision' by a Senate committee.
Save Family Farming's Gerald Baron says while the governor's appointment is disappointing, the Senates decision to do nothing could leave a potential out ...
GERALD BARON ... "I think it's entirely possible that if Mr. McLerran holds true-to-form as he did in the EPA, that a confirmation hearing may be called at a later time, if my understanding of that is correct. It could be helpful in ensuring that his actions on the Puget Sound Partnership Leadership Council will not be antagonistic towards farmers as his actions within the EPA certainly have been."
Baron says given Mr. McLerran's history, they will be watching how things unfold very closely ...
GERALD BARON ... "The important thing is that the Puget Sound Partnership action agenda states very clearly the importance of maintaining viable farms and farm land as a key component of environmental protection of Puget Sound. And, that's what we're concerned about. If they back off because of this appointment of the Leadership Council, on any action, to maintain that viability, we're going to be very, very concerned and we're going to be very loud about it."
Baron says he believes the Puget Sound Partnership leaders understand they will be under greater scrutiny and will try to work WITH farmers to reach decisions that are beneficial for both.
