Mr. Aidala has been nominated to advise the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency on pollution prevention, toxics and pesticides. In my state of Montana we have had some very unfortunate incidents resulting from our lack of understanding and overseeing the use of toxic substances. I look forward to working with Mr. Aidala to ensure that what has happened with asbestos contamination to Libby, Montana, does not happen again elsewhere.
Mr. Campbell's nomination to be the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development is of particular importance to me. EDA is a major source of economic development assistance in Montana. It has been instrumental in working with communities around the state providing grant funding that helps to generate jobs, and stimulate industrial and commercial growth. There are many Montana families today that have directly benefitted from the work of EDA.
Ms. Wong-Rusinko will be a welcomed addition to the Appalachian Regional Commission, an organization that is of great importance to many members of this Committee. This committee has worked with her over the years in her capacity with EDA and her talents will be put to good use at ARC.
I look forward to hearing from each of the nominees.