This afternoon, Gina McCarthy cleared the first hurdle in replacing Lisa Jackson as the next Administrator of the EPA. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted in favor of McCarthy in a 10-8 vote which followed party lines.

Republicans on the committee have vowed to continue to oppose her confirmation until she sufficiently responds to a list of questions and demands. John Walke from the Natural Resources Defense Council has an interesting take on those demands which you can read about here.

Next up for McCarthy is a vote on the Senate floor, where she will need support from both Democrats and Republicans to be confirmed. Appalachian Voices continues to urge the Senate to swiftly approve Gina McCarthy for the position.