Environmental Defense Calls For Strong EPA Administrator

(21 May 2003 - New York) Following today’s resignation of EPA administrator Christie Whitman, Environmental Defense called on President Bush to appoint a strong and committed professional as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, and to follow that person’s advice.

“Governor Whitman came to Washington with strong environmental credentials and did achieve some notable progress strengthening rules relating to diesel exhausts.  But unfortunately, her term in office has been most often characterized by missed opportunities and policy reversals by the administration,” Environmental Defense president Fred Krupp.  “Despite her efforts, over the last two years America has abandoned the fight against global warming and has significantly eased regulations governing emissions from industrial sources and power plants.  The new EPA Administrator must be a powerful advocate for real controls on greenhouse gas pollution, and the Bush Administration must step up to the plate and take on the problem of global warming instead of ignoring it.”

“The new EPA Administrator must be an independent voice for public health and the environment inside the Bush Cabinet,” said Krupp.  “A good administrator will defend and expand needed environmental safeguards, protecting every American’s fundamental right to a sustainable climate, healthy air to breathe and clean water to drink.  And President Bush would do well to make sure that voice is not silenced within the Administration.”

“During confirmation hearings Congress should make sure that any new administrator will serve as a strong advocate, willing to take on lobbyists and other agencies in order to protect America’s public health and the environment.  And ultimately, the President must make sure that such protections are put, and kept, in place,” said Krupp.