With the resignation of Lisa Jackson, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is in need of a new head. President Barack Obama has nominated Gina McCarthy to fill this position as EPA administrator.

With an outstanding bipartisan record, McCarthy worked for five Republican governors, including Mitt Romney, before joining the Obama administration. In 2009, the Senate wholeheartedly confirmed McCarthy’s appointment to the clean air division of the EPA. In that position, she has protected the health of Americans through mercury and air toxic standards, and she has protected the health of the planet by reducing carbon emissions.

Now, when it comes to her promotion, partisan bickering is stalling Congress.

I strongly encourage Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King to endorse Obama’s nomination of McCarthy. Her pragmatic actions balance environmental safety with economic necessity, and I say the president is right in his choice of this dedicated New Englander to lead the EPA.

Alexander Smith, Auburn