EPA nominee advances without GOP support
Panel clears Obama's EPA pick on party-line vote, hurdles ahead in full Senate
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama's pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency has moved one step closer to getting the job, but it came without Republican support.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Thursday voted 10-8, along party lines, to advance Gina McCarthy's nomination to the full Senate.
McCarthy now leads the EPA's air pollution office, and has had a long career in government working for both parties.
Republicans boycotted the panel's vote last week over transparency concerns. Louisiana Sen. David Vitter, the panel's top Republican, said Thursday the agency had taken steps to alleviate those concerns, but more work had to be done.
McCarthy's fight isn't over. Republican Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri has threatened to block McCarthy's nomination in the Senate over a flood control project.
