Critics of a state Senate-passed bill aimed at increasing the recycling of mercury thermostats plan to press the House to strengthen the legislation and to release a report Wednesday contrasting the proposal with mercury recycling programs in other states.

The report from Clean ­Water Action and the Product Stewardship Institute will evaluate thermostat collection programs in Massachusetts and nationwide. In an advisory ­issued on Monday to call attention to the forthcoming report, Clean Water Action described the Senate legislation approved last week as weak.

The environmental groups say millions of mercury thermostats remain in use in the United States and when the products are not recycled, mercury is released into the environment and waterways.

President Obama’s pick for EPA Administrator is receiving praise from a range of groups including state governments, environmentalists, and industry representatives.

Gina McCarthy, President Obama’s choice to be Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency after the resignation of former Administrator Lisa Jackson, is expected to face a tough confirmation hearing in the coming days.

But those who worked with her in her past careers throughout New England are praising her as a strong leader and for her ability to find common ground on contentious issues.

An environmental policy veteran who got her start in the public health offices of Stoughton and Canton is on her way to taking the nation’s top environmental post.
 
Regina McCarthy, 58, was nominated by President Barack Obama on Monday to head the Environmental Protection Agency, where she has served as an assistant administrator and head of the Office of Air and Radiation since 2009. She is expected to face a tough confirmation in Congress, even though she made it through a confirmation vote for her current position four years ago.