I JOIN THE NATION IN MOURNING THE UNTIMELY DEMISE OF FORMER SECRETARY, REGINA PAZ “GINA” L. LOPEZ.

GINA WAS A PURE CHAMPION OF THE ENVIRONMENT, BOLD AND FEARLESS IN HER ADVOCACIES, REGARDLESS OF THE CONSEQUENCES. SHE WAS UNCOMPROMISING IN PROTECTING WATERSHEDS AND IMPOSING HIGH STANDARDS OF RESPONSIBILITY ON THE MINING INDUSTRY. AT THE SAME TIME, GINA WAS COMPASSIONATE FOR THE UNDERPRIVILEGED, AND FOR THEM PROMOTED ECOTOURISM AS A WAY OUT OF POVERTY.

SHE WAS AN INSPIRATION TO MANY, A PERSONIFICATION OF OUR HOPES FOR A SUSTAINABLY GREENER ENVIRONMENT WITH BOUNTIFUL NATURAL RESOURCES FOR ALL. THE DENR FAMILY WILL REMEMBER HER WITH FONDNESS, RESPECT, AND LOVE. WE WILL HONOR HER BY BUILDING ON HER LEGACY.” ###