Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Stepping Down

January 30, 2012 | 11:52 AM

Department of Environmental Protection Executive Deputy Secretary John Hines is stepping down from his job next month, according to PA Environment Daily.
Hines helped set DEP’s water policies, and played a role in last year’s departmental reorganization. He had been a contender for DEP secretary, a position that ultimately went to Michael Krancer.
Here’s more on Hines’ departure:

John has worked for DEP since 1993 and was appointed Executive Deputy in January 2011 by Gov. Tom Corbett. He has served for more than a decade in various other senior management and executive positions within DEP, including as Deputy Secretary for Water Management.

Prior to his appointment as Deputy for Water Management, John served as Executive Director of DEP’s Water Planning Office and as the Acting Director of Watershed Management. In this capacity he oversaw activities related to nonpoint source pollution management, stormwater management, water allocation and planning, conservation districts, interstate river basin commissions, estuary programs, national organizations, state water planning efforts, coastal resource management and overall water management budgeting and internal program development.

John served as the lead negotiator for DEP in the final stage of the passage of the Water Resources Planning Act (Act 220 of 2002). He was also critical to the drafting of Annex 2001 that was signed by the eight Great Lakes States and the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec.

He also took a leadership role in the development of Pennsylvania’s strategy to revive the Chesapeake Bay. Most recently, he helped to draft and implement the reorganization of the department.