Breaking: ‘Climate Prosperity’ Leader Nominated to Head DNREC

It appears that Gov. Markell was really serious about bringing a new approach to DNREC. Here’s the press release:

Markell Nominates Climate Prosperity Leader to Head DNREC

Advocates praise bold choice of “true environmental champion” 

WILMINGTON – Following through on his commitment to fight for Delaware’s environmental health and welfare, Gov. Jack Markell announced on Tuesday he will be nominating Collin O’Mara — a nationally recognized climate prosperity expert — to be his administration’s Secretary of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.  

If confirmed by the Senate, O’Mara will be stepping down from his position with the nearly 1 million-resident City of San Jose. He has been responsible for implementing San Jose’s Green Vision program, an ambitious plan to marry environmental sustainability with economic development in the epicenter of Silicon Valley. O’Mara’s stewardship of the program is credited with attracting more than 50 clean technology companies and attracting more than 3,000 jobs.  

“When I was sworn in, I took an oath to protect Delaware’s precious natural resources,” Markell said. “Nominating Collin O’Mara lives up to that oath. I am confident that he will be a tireless advocate for Delaware’s environment and a responsible steward of our resources. If confirmed, he will lead my administration’s efforts to put environmental sustainability at the forefront of our public policy discussions. That work will not only improve the quality of our air, land and soil, but it will also help our economy because our environmental and economic health are intertwined. The success of one should lead to the success of the other, and Collin is a national leader in this field.” 

Even as our economy transitions to cleaner energy, enforcement of traditional energy and industries must be diligently pursued, Markell said, adding that “Collin will be a strong protector of our precious natural assets and will ensure DNREC fulfills its obligation to regulate polluters. His experience in making government more effective and efficient is also critical as we work with legislators to close the historic budget shortfall facing us.” 

O’Mara’s commitment to protecting the environment has impressed advocates in Delaware and around the country. 

“Collin O’Mara understands the challenges climate change will be bringing to Delaware, has been a strong advocate for environmental protections and has experience in renewable energy and efficiency that will help Delaware move forward toward a more sustainable future,” said Debbie Heaton, a long-time leading environmental activist in Delaware. “I think he will be a great Secretary and look forward to working with him as we address the significant environmental issues facing our state.”

Before coming to San Jose in 2006, O’Mara served as the assistant director of management and budget for the City of Syracuse (NY), where he saved taxpayers millions of dollars by better tracking public expenditures and services. After graduating from Dartmouth, O’Mara was named a Marshall Scholar and earned a Masters in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from Oxford University and a Masters of Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. He recently completed Stanford Business School’s Executive Management Program in Business Strategies for Environmental Sustainability.  

“Governor Markell is building a national reputation as an innovator who is willing to tackle difficult problems head-on. I am honored by the opportunity to be nominated and the chance, if confirmed, to get to work for the people of Delaware,” O’Mara said. “As an outdoorsman I cannot wait to explore Delaware’s beautiful state parks and to cast a line in one of Delaware’s many lakes, ponds and streams.”  

San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed called O’Mara the “driving force” behind the city’s Green Vision program, which established ten bold goals for job creation, renewable energy, energy efficiency, green building, recycling, water recycling and zero-emission vehicles to create a market for green products and spur green economic development.  

“His balance of idealism and pragmatism has encouraged business and community leaders to look at the opportunities that environmental sustainability offers for creating economy prosperity,” Reed said. “While Collin will be sorely missed, he has helped us launch this vision for future success and can do the same for the people of Delaware.”  

O’Mara also has experience making government more effective and more efficient, which is critical in the face of the historic challenges Delaware state government must address. While working for the City of Syracuse, New York, O’Mara managed the SyraStat project that saved local taxpayers more than $14 million over two years and improved the delivery of key services. 

“Collin O’Mara has displayed exceptional leadership qualities.  He understands the important role accountability plays in the efficient management and delivery of government services,” said Syracuse Mayor Matthew Driscoll. “I am sure he will bring that background to promoting sustainable practices and clean technology solutions. His vision, passion, intellect, and collaborative style make him a perfect choice for Secretary of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and I am confident that he will do great things for the State of Delaware.”   

O’Mara’s work to foster environmentally friendly economic development has won praise from a broad array of environmental advocates and members of the business community. 

Margaret Bruce, U.S. Western Regional Director of The Climate Group said: “Collin O’Mara is a true environmental champion.  He has a clear vision for what a sustainable world with a low-carbon economy can look like and the skill-set to help move Delaware into a national leadership position.  He possesses the rare and valuable talent of seeing the world through the lens of the possible, not the established or ideological. His strong environmental and social ethos blends with a cool head, a keen mind, and a knack for problem solving [and would] serve as Secretary of Natural Resources and Environmental Control with distinction.” 

Jeffrey Finkle, President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council said: “Collin O’Mara has a clear vision for ending our dependence on foreign oil and addressing climate change in a way that will accelerate our recovery out of the current recession and strengthen the America economy for generations to come.   He understands the potential for bold environmental leadership to create unparalleled job creation opportunities, new domestic wealth, an improved trade deficit, and long-term economic security.”

Bob Baugh, Executive Director of the AFL-CIO Industrial Union Council, said: “Collin O’Mara brings both vision and common sense to making environmental economic development policy a reality. His work in San Jose embraced an environmental innovation agenda that recognizes that everyone from workers with a high school education to PhD’s have something to contribute to a cleaner planet. His effort to challenge old assumptions, champion new business models and to link new manufacturing opportunities to Silicon Valley’s R&D expertise is the base for broadly shared prosperity. The Governor has made an excellent choice.”

This sounds like a great choice! Oh, and more proof that the end of the ‘Delaware Way’ is at hand.