Gina McCarthy has been tapped to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, and given her track record of protecting America's families from toxic pollution, her confirmation will help us all breathe easier.

Saving energy saves consumers money. Less pollution means better public health and cleaner lakes and rivers for all. Why would anyone argue that it's somehow smart to waste energy and money?

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Kirk became the Atlantic's 11th named storm of 2012, a feat typically not reached until closer to the end of hurricane season in November.

Today ushers in a new era for American drivers. Soon we will save thousands of dollars every year at the gas pump. Car buyers will be able to choose from hundreds of models that combine fuel-efficiency, high performance and safety. And workers will find half a million new jobs building the cars of future.

If we couldn't figure it out ourselves from the freak derecho storm that crippled the Washington area; from the devastating wildfires in Colorado; from the hottest January-June in U.S. history or one of the worst U.S. droughts ever, science once again has shown us the connections.

Instead of offering targeted policies, many leaders are suggesting an "all of the above" approach to energy development. The idea is that we should throw everything we have at the problem and see what sticks. It's a misguided strategy that would do more harm than good.

Pipeline supporters and their allies in Congress are trying to capitalize on rising gas prices by claiming the pipeline would lower prices at the pump. That is patently false.

Even in the face of a year of unprecedented and unrelenting congressional assault on the environment, President Obama has proven that prosperity fits hand-in-hand with clean air and clean water, and strong public health protections.

At the insistence of Republican lawmakers, the tax bill moving through Congress includes a provision requiring the president to make a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline in 60 days. This is political opportunism at its most cynical.

Our national leaders will only act after much of the groundwork for shifting the economy away from fossil fuels has already been done.

President Obama has delivered another victory for clean energy innovation. Today his administration moved forward with new standards for cars, SUVs, and pick-up trucks that will almost double vehicle miles per gallon to 54.5 mpg by 2025.

Even small amounts of lead can lower a child's IQ level and shorten attention span. Children with lead in their blood are also more likely to become aggressive, violent and delinquent.

The lobbying group for car dealers wants to block new fuel efficiency standards that will save drivers $80 billion a year at the pump, saying clean car standards are a sign of "over regulation."

As the head of the EPA, I have been called to testify before Congress more than any other cabinet member. The simple fact is, I would not be making so many trips to the Hill if the EPA was not doing its job.

The oil industry's influence on the political process is holding America hostage. Rather than giving handouts to wealthy companies that endanger our coastal communities, we should be investing in the clean, 21st century technologies.

It is cynical for politicians to claim that more drilling will relieve high gas prices. More drilling only means more profits for the oil industry -- not lower costs at the pump

The nation can meet the president's proposed target through an increased combination of energy efficiency, renewable power, and better use of natural gas.

Postcards from the ragged edge of our global energy system highlight the costs we pay, the risks we bear and the toll we submit to every day for the power and fuel we use. The choice before us could not be more clear.

Ten years ago, California stuck with the Clean Cars program and led the nation to lower emissions of pollutants. They'll have the opportunity to lead the nation again next year.

We can't keep doing nearly everything the same and expect different results. We know what it takes to protect coastal communities and marine life from devastating oil spills. We need to start now, and this is how we begin.

Sen. Lugar is a realist who has long acknowledged the dangers of global warming, and who cares deeply about the U.S.'s leadership role in solving tough international problems. But his bill falls short

Today the Senate made the smart choice of voting down Sen. Murkowski's resolution to undermine the EPA's authority to reduce global warming pollution.

The Obama administration's decision to open 167 million acres of pristine ocean to drilling is poor policy. It threatens our coastal communities while perpetuating our dependence on dirty fossil fuels.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles like the forthcoming Chevy Volt will pollute less than "traditional" hybrids like the Toyota Prius, but only in areas where coal plants supply less than 50% of the power mix.