Pennsylvania’s top environmental official, Richard Negrin, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), recently addressed leaders of the Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) and the Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association (PWIA). “Pennsylvania’s waste and recycling leaders gather every year to discuss pressing industry issues and responsible public policy solutions affecting recycling and solid waste,” said Michele Nestor, president of the Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter of SWANA. “Having Secretary Negrin share the Shapiro Administration’s environmental agenda recognizes the important role our industry plays in protecting the environment while delivering a vital service to our communities.”
Negrin’s remarks took place on September 7, 2023 at the annual Keystone SWANA/PWIA Conference and Trade Show, which included sessions addressing testing protocols for PFAS, bag bans and environmental justice insights this year. “Our companies – and the men and women who work for us – safely collect and process the majority of residential and commercial waste in Pennsylvania,” said Tim O’Donnell, president of PWIA. “We look forward to working collaboratively with Secretary Negrin and his team to promote sound business and environmental policies that protect and enhance our beautiful state.”
Negrin is the first-ever Hispanic Secretary of Environmental Protection. He most recently served as the Vice President of Regulatory Policy and Strategy and Head of External Affairs at Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), where he led the development of clean energy regulatory policies and strategies. At ComEd, Negrin led efforts to increase the use of renewable energy, spur the adoption of electric vehicles and increase energy efficiency. The Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association (PWIA) represents the private sector companies that collect and process recyclables and collect and dispose of municipal solid waste in Pennsylvania. PWIA works closely with the National Waste & Recycling Association to advance safe practices in waste collection, processing and disposal.
For more information, visit www.pawasteindustries.org.