Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro nominated Jessica Shirley on Feb. 18 to serve as Pennsylvania’s secretary for the Department of Environmental Protection. (Photo courtesy of pa.gov)
Jessica Shirley, acting secretary of the state Department of Environmental Protection, was nominated on Tuesday by Gov. Josh Shapiro to lead the agency.
Shapiro said Shirley has been a “driving force in safeguarding our environment while streamlining permitting processes and promoting economic growth.”
As acting secretary, Shirley has played a “pivotal role in advancing sustainable and equitable environmental practices,” Shapiro’s office said. When she previously served as the executive deputy secretary, she oversaw the agency’s “core programs and helped manage the implementation of federal funding for well plugging, abandoned mine land reclamation and local water infrastructure.”
Shirley called it an honor to be nominated to lead the department.
“Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, I understand the importance of the mission to protect Pennsylvania’s air, land, and water resources, providing for the health and safety of our residents and businesses,” said Shirley. “I look forward to working as part of the Shapiro administration, alongside the dedicated staff at DEP, to continue our mission to protect public health and the environment.”
After being elected governor, Shapiro nominated Rich Negrin to lead DEP, but he resigned in Oct. 2023. Shirley was selected to serve as the interim acting secretary after his departure.
Shapiro’s office credits Shirley for working to protect clean air and pure water, while at the same time improving the permitting experience for businesses. While serving in DEP, Shirley has also “helped direct the agency’s work addressing PFAS contamination, the Chesapeake Bay cleanup, energy conservation and environmental justice,” per Shapiro’s office.
The nomination of Shirley comes on the first day of budget hearings in Harrisburg. The state Senate will decide whether to confirm her.
She earned a master’s degree in public administration from Penn State University and holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.