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Krancer to Step Down as Head of DEP

Last week the Corbett administration announced that Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Mike Krancer will step down on April 15 to return home to Montgomery County to rejoin his former law firm, Blank Rome LLP.

Krancer was appointed DEP Secretary in January 2011 where he was charged with taking the agency “back to basics, protecting the environment, and making the permitting process more efficient.” Krancer also oversaw the creation of an Oil and Gas department, and improved consistency in enforcing regulations aimed at the expanding natural gas development.

“Serving Governor Corbett and DEP has been the greatest honor of my career,’’ Krancer said. “Pennsylvania is well on its way to becoming the focal point of an American energy revolution, and I am grateful to the governor for giving me this  role in assuring that natural gas and energy development happen in an environmentally sound and responsible manner.”

In addition to his previous legal work at Blank Rome, Krancer served as a judge on the state’s Environmental Hearing Board for 10 years, including four years as chief judge and chairman. He has also worked as an attorney for Exelon Corp.

E. Christopher Abruzzo, deputy chief of staff for Governor Tom Corbett, will serve as acting secretary. Abruzzo, who works closely with Krancer and the DEP staff in his position as deputy chief of staff, will hold both positions until Corbett names Krancer’s successor.