Gina McCarthy on Media Relations: "We'll Talk"

Incoming EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy may have signaled an opening in the agency's long-troubled relations with the news media during her September 20, 2013, announcement of EPA's carbon rule at the National Press Club.

Press Club President Angela Greiling Keane relayed a question from the audience: "One last question. You're here at the National Press Club today. We of course stand for government openness and transparency ... . Now that you are administrator, will you allow more access to journalists, including allowing them to interview EPA scientists and policy advisers?"

McCarthy responded: "I would say EPA always allows access to our scientists, but if there's any issues we'll talk. How about that?"

The Society of Environmental Journalists has urged EPA under previous administrations to improve news media access to agency information and personnel.

• C-SPAN Video of McCarthy September 20, 2013, speech at National Press Club.  
• Previous Stories: "Are PAOs a Help or Hindrance?" SEJ WatchDog of August 14, 2013; "12 Tips for Getting Around the Press Office," SEJ WatchDog of August 14, 2013.