To: Governor Mike DeWine
Gov. Kasich: Protecting Our Kids from Pollution Shouldn't Get You Fired!
Your administration recently forced George Elmaraghy to resign from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency because he was doing his job of protecting Ohio's water from coal pollution, which is also fueling climate change. We are outraged that you are putting coal industry greed over the health and well-being of our children, grandchildren, environment, and communities. We call on you to give Mr. Elmaraghy his job back immediately.
Why is this important?
A longtime leader of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency says he was forced by Ohio Governor John Kasich to resign due to pressure from the coal industry. But now he is fighting for his job, and we can help.
In a letter to his colleagues announcing his resignation, George Elmaraghy wrote, “There has been considerable pressure from the coal companies over the last year for the division staff to accommodate the industry’s needs by issuing permits that may have a negative impact on Ohio’s streams and wetlands and violate state and federal laws.”
Unless Gov. Kasich intervenes immediately, Mr. Elmaraghy’s last day could be on September 13. We need to send a strong message now that coal companies do not appoint EPA officials.
Mr. Elmaraghy has devoted nearly 40 years of his working life to protecting Ohio families from pollution. He does not want to stop working for Ohio. He wrote, “I do not want to retire. I want to stay and do my job for the citizens and the environment of Ohio.”
As a father and elected official, I know each decision I make must leave my community a healthier, safer, more viable home for my children and all of the children of Ohio. A state with contaminated watersheds is not healthy for my family, nor the families of hardworking Ohioans -- including those that may work in the coal industry.
Energy companies should not have a role in choosing who approves and denies project permits. But Gov. Kasich said the Ohio EPA was “going to send a message to Ohio that we are open for business” when he named Scott Nally, George Elmaraghy’s boss, to head the agency shortly after winning his election in 2010. And, Gov. Kasich has received over $500,000 from coal interests for his campaigns.
My children mean more to me than profit margins. I want a watchdog that is free to protect the public commons, not subservient to the Governor's campaign benefactors.
Tell Governor Kasich we cannot put coal industry profits over the health and well-being of our children, grandchildren, environment and communities. George Elmaraghy has been standing up for the well-being of Ohio children and families throughout his life. It’s time for us to stand up for him.
Thank you for joining me in taking action!
Sincerely,
Mayor (and father) Trevor Elkins
Newburgh Heights, Ohio
In a letter to his colleagues announcing his resignation, George Elmaraghy wrote, “There has been considerable pressure from the coal companies over the last year for the division staff to accommodate the industry’s needs by issuing permits that may have a negative impact on Ohio’s streams and wetlands and violate state and federal laws.”
Unless Gov. Kasich intervenes immediately, Mr. Elmaraghy’s last day could be on September 13. We need to send a strong message now that coal companies do not appoint EPA officials.
Mr. Elmaraghy has devoted nearly 40 years of his working life to protecting Ohio families from pollution. He does not want to stop working for Ohio. He wrote, “I do not want to retire. I want to stay and do my job for the citizens and the environment of Ohio.”
As a father and elected official, I know each decision I make must leave my community a healthier, safer, more viable home for my children and all of the children of Ohio. A state with contaminated watersheds is not healthy for my family, nor the families of hardworking Ohioans -- including those that may work in the coal industry.
Energy companies should not have a role in choosing who approves and denies project permits. But Gov. Kasich said the Ohio EPA was “going to send a message to Ohio that we are open for business” when he named Scott Nally, George Elmaraghy’s boss, to head the agency shortly after winning his election in 2010. And, Gov. Kasich has received over $500,000 from coal interests for his campaigns.
My children mean more to me than profit margins. I want a watchdog that is free to protect the public commons, not subservient to the Governor's campaign benefactors.
Tell Governor Kasich we cannot put coal industry profits over the health and well-being of our children, grandchildren, environment and communities. George Elmaraghy has been standing up for the well-being of Ohio children and families throughout his life. It’s time for us to stand up for him.
Thank you for joining me in taking action!
Sincerely,
Mayor (and father) Trevor Elkins
Newburgh Heights, Ohio