NC Environmental Chief Moves To Block His Own Removal By New Governor

"The head of the Department of Environmental Quality will stay at the agency, despite an incoming Democratic administration."

"A top state environmental regulator who has urged Trump to rein in the EPA and has been criticized for his lenient treatment of polluters, stepped down over the holidays - giving himself a staff position that will be protected under the new North Carolina administration.

Donald van der Vaar, former Secretary of the North Carolina State Department of Environmental Quality, will be an environmental program manager, the News and Record (Greensboro, NC) reported, a position that enjoys normal employee protections and is not subject to gubernatorial appointment.

Van der Vaart was appointed as DEQ secretary by Gov. Pat McCrory (R), who failed in his reelection bid in November and will be replaced by former state Attorney General Roy Cooper (D) later this month."

Samantha Page reports for Think Progress January 3, 2017.

SEE ALSO:

"Cooper's Environmental Pick A Contrast From Last 4 Years" (AP)