An investigation by ProPublica found six EPA lawyers who privately criticized Moreno’s nomination because of her legal work for General Electric—one of the biggest polluters involved in the EPA’s Superfund Program. In fact, when Moreno’s nomination was announced in May, she was actively defending GE in its battle over paying for the cleanup of a Superfund site against Justice Department attorneys whom she would be supervising, if confirmed for the post.

 

Prior to working for GE, Moreno spent five years defending other companies in pollution-related lawsuits. Before that she worked for Justice’s environment division during the Clinton administration.

 

Moreno has said that if she’s confirmed for the job, in accordance with Obama administration requirements, she will recuse herself from any cases involving GE for two years.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

EPA Attorneys Criticize Obama Nominee (by Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica)

Ignacia S. Moreno Answers to Senate Judiciary Committee Questionnaire (PDF)

DOJ Nominee’s Industry Experience a Worry for Some (by Robin Bravender, New York Times)