Green is Gold. So Let’s Get Movin.
From the News Journal:
Gov. Jack Markell plans an unprecedented policy shift with his final Cabinet choice, a secretary who Markell said will blend administration goals for both the economy and the environment.
Markell said his new Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control chief will spearhead a “green is gold” strategy that aims to make Delaware a national leader in emerging clean energy and sustainable industry markets.
In a recent interview, Markell said he wants the next DNREC secretary to become a linchpin of the state’s economic development strategy and efforts to counter declines in financial and manufacturing employment. The new governor already has taken a personal role in a nationwide search for his last remaining Cabinet vacancy.
Recruiting has focused on those best able to merge traditional agency duties with an administration drive to attract and support “green” businesses — those that will grow and potentially lead a nationwide shift toward renewable energy sources and industries that consume fewer natural resources.
I understand Governor Markell wants to take his time and find the perfect person for the job of Secretary of DNREC. But given the importance of the Green Jobs initiatives, we begin to reach a point of diminishing returns. Time is a-wasting. I have the same feelings about President Obama appointing someone to head the Department of Health and Human Services. Given the need for universal healthcare, that job, and the job of Healthcare Reform Czar in the West Wing, need to filled yesterday.
I understand the need for a thorough candidate search, but both Governor Markell and President Obama should have had at least three people in mind for every cabinet position back in November. That way, if something happened to one nominee, he is ready to go with another that has been vetted. Delays are costly.
I was kind of hoping Governor Markell was going to choose a secretary who was committed to protecting the environment, rather than be a second DEDO director. I agree with the green jobs strategy, but the department needs to get realigned with its mission. This is a rather dysfunctional bureaucracy of about 900 employees. They need someone who will stand up to legislative meddling, resist lobbyists who have come to expect special treatment from the secretary, and who won’t throw his or her own scientists and directors under the bus for the sake of compromise.
I agree with much of green skeptic’s post here — one of Delaware’s long term best assets are its natural resources, and in a place this small there isn’t much room to hide or ignore real issues. Green jobs and green industries are hugely important — especially since the University seems to be working in an education and research niche there, you want kids with this training to stay here — but aggressive protection and cleanup of the assets you already have needs to be at the top of the list.