John Hanger, leader of a statewide environmental group and a former Public Utility Commission member, was a surprise nominee last week to head the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

In nominating Mr. Hanger, 51, of Dauphin County, Gov. Ed Rendell selected a knowledgeable, experienced and well-known consumer advocate who knows the Harrisburg political scene, but one who some state political observers have called "polarizing" and "unconfirmable."

Mr. Hanger, who can serve as acting DEP secretary if the state Senate doesn't confirm him, will resign as president and chief executive officer of Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future on Friday.

The task he will face as DEP secretary will not be easy. The governor has assigned him to oversee the traditional DEP air, water and mining and land programs, but also to ride herd on the state's booming energy sectors -- oil, coal and natural gas -- and a growing effort to use alternative energy sources.

In an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Mr. Hanger discussed those issues, along with how he'll work with a Legislature that he's often been at odds with and a department he has sometimes criticized.

Q: Gov. Rendell said energy will be a primary focus. What do you see as the big energy issues facing the state?

A: Energy is an opportunity and a challenge. It's an opportunity to continue creating more alternative energy. Our alternative energy policies are visible and putting bread on our tables while protecting clean air and clean water. One example of that is the solar mirror company that will open in Findlay and create 300 new jobs. We've already taken steps to be in the top five states in the country for "green" energy and we are reaping the benefits both economically and environmentally.

Q: And the challenge?

A: We're in danger because of the global energy crisis. Oil has gone from $25 to more than $120 a barrel and coal prices are up substantially, and the higher prices are flowing through the gas pump and into the home for heating and electricity. The state is not adequately prepared to deal with the crisis. The best way is through conservation, and passage of House Bill 2200 [which would require efficiency measures in the production and use of energy in an effort to limit future consumer electricity costs] would give powerful tools to consumers to put downward pressure on prices and help manage individual uses.

Q: The governor has been supportive of alternative energy development as have you. What new initiatives are planned to promote it?

A: Alternative energy production is part of the answer to the increase in energy costs. Pennsylvania has enough wind and solar that it's not an experiment but rather part of how we make energy, keep the lights on and power business and industry. In 2004 we passed an alternative energy standards bill and recently approved an alternative energy funding package. My most important job is making sure those two policies are implemented well.

Q: Wind energy is one of those alternative sources, but some environmentalists say windmills kill birds and bats, damage pristine headwater streams and could wipe out some endangered species. The state now has voluntary siting guidelines, but should there be more protective siting regulations for wind development projects?

A: I'm satisfied with the work that the state game commission and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources did on the siting of wind farms and also with a model ordinance that municipalities can adopt. Wind is a great resource, but it's not perfect. There's no way to make electricity with zero environmental impact. The wind farms need to be sited appropriately and the endangered species protections need to be respected and followed. But we can get a lot of wind energy that doesn't damage the environment, pollute the air or water.

Q: Oil and gas drilling are booming throughout the state, and interest is high in development of the deep natural gas reserves in the vast Marcellus shales, which underlie much of the state. What issues does this create for the DEP?

A: Our biggest concern is making sure that drilling is done in a manner that follows the laws and doesn't do damage to the state's water supplies. The governor is clear that he wants to see that developed -- it's a cleaner fuel and a tremendous economic opportunity -- but in a way that doesn't damage the environment. DEP has to be on top of that.

Q: Oil and gas industry representatives are already complaining that the DEP permitting process is slow and causing a bottleneck. Environmentalists are worried about the large amount of water, between 3 million and 5 million gallons, that the deep wells will use. Both want the DEP to expand its regulatory work force in that area. Will you ask the governor and Legislature for more resources?

A: I'm not going to make that judgment until after I spend my first day on the job. It's interesting that both sides want to see DEP hire more employees. If I find that's needed, I won't hesitate to recommend it to the governor and the General Assembly.

Q: As head of PennFuture you've occasionally been critical of the DEP on mining issues. How will you try to improve mining regulation in the state?

A: One of the real big issues facing us is the impact of coal use on global warming. I see an opportunity for Pennsylvania to address that by pushing for using coal in less polluting ways, burning it in more efficient ways and possibly capturing the carbon and storing it. In that regard I'm interested in working with the coal companies and the communities.

Q: In the coal fields of southwestern Pennsylvania, one of the biggest issues has been the effects of subsidence from underground longwall mining on streams. Can the DEP do a better job on that issue?

A: Personally I'm eager to make sure the process for reviewing and granting permits is complete. The Clean Streams Law is important and needs to be respected. It's a legislatively set standard.

Q: DEP employees know you as an advocate who has sometimes been critical of the department and are unsure about what to expect from you. What should they expect?

A: This is my second time as a public employee. I was a state public utility commissioner, and there's a real difference between being an advocate and being in a position of public responsibility. There is an absolute requirement for me as DEP secretary to gather information, listen to all groups, follow the law and arrive at productive, fair answers. I want to listen, think creatively and come to those answers.

Q: As PennFuture president you were critical of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's decision denying California's clean car waiver request and said it would hurt Pennsylvania's ability to meet clean air targets. Is there anything you can do about that in your new job?

A: There's a lawsuit that the state is part of and I will be checking on that. I'm still concerned because the rule is important to Pennsylvanians' health, air quality and economic interests. Having cleaner, fuel efficient cars is good for the economy. And if we don't reduce pollution from those mobile sources we're going to have to get more reductions from stationary businesses.

Q: You've praised the state's tougher-than-federal mercury rule -- one of several environmental positions where you and Sen. Mary Jo White, R-Venango, have clashed. Is this issue settled?

A: The rule is in place so I believe it is settled. There are always twists and turns that can happen, but it has the force of law.

Q: What about your sometimes stormy relationship with Ms. White and maybe some other legislators?

A: I don't hold grudges. I respect those who come into the public arena and fiercely make their points. That's what democracy is all about. Secretary [Kathleen] McGinty had her opponents too. I don't take these things personally.

This is a diverse state with regional differences about how they view environmental issues, many of which can really impact people. As an advocate I operated by one set of rules, but as a public official it's a different role. I look forward to working with everyone, including Sen. White.

Q: So you're looking forward to the confirmation hearings?

A: If I have an easy confirmation hearing process I would be shocked, but that goes with the territory now. It used to be a time when the president and governor had the right to pick the Cabinet secretary, but circumstances have changed over the past 30 years.