Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett announced Friday that Michael Krancer, secretary of the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), will step down on April 15 and return to practice law in Philadelphia. But the decision to replace him on an interim basis with the governor’s deputy chief of staff is being derided by Krancer’s predecessor, John Hanger.

“Secretary Krancer has been an invaluable member of our team, and I am grateful for his service,” Corbett said. “His impressive efforts at DEP have taken the agency back to basics, protecting the environment and making the permitting process more efficient.

“His guidance on a variety of issues related to the environment has been vital. DEP has been in good hands under his leadership.”

E. Christopher Abruzzo will serve as acting DEP secretary until the governor names a successor to Krancer. The governor’s office said Abruzzo will hold both positions until a replacement is named. Meanwhile, Krancer will rejoin Blank Rome LLP as a partner and will chair the firm’s energy, petrochemical and natural resources practice.

Hanger blasted Abruzzo’s appointment, calling Corbett’s decision “bizarre and irresponsible.”

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