Earthjustice snags EPA environmental justice head

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) official Lisa Garcia is joining the prominent environmental law group Earthjustice.

Earthjustice announced Wednesday that Garcia would make the move from her post as associate assistant administrator for environmental justice with the EPA to join the group as vice president of litigation for health.

{mosads}”Earthjustice is thrilled to have Lisa Garcia join us in the newly-created position of Vice President of Litigation for Health,” Trip Van Noppen, president of Earthjustice, said in a press release announcing the move.

“She will lead Earthjustice’s work to defend the right of all people to a healthy environment, encompassing our clean air, clean water, toxic chemicals and waste, and pesticides programs. Lisa will be based in our Washington, DC, office and will work with our staff from across the organization.”

Garcia has advised the EPA on environmental justice since President Obama appointed her during his first term. Her appointment helped elevate the environmental justice issues within the agency.

Prior to joining the EPA , Garcia worked in a similar capacity for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.