Contact: Jim DiPeso, (253) 740-2066
REP America, the national grassroots organization of Republicans for environmental protection, is sorry to see Christine Todd Whitman leave as EPA administrator.
"Christie Whitman was a bright light in an administration that has put political expediency and wrong-headed ideology above protecting America's air, water, and natural heritage," said Jim DiPeso, REP America policy director. "She fought many battles on behalf of the nation's families in what must have been the most thankless job in DC. Her dedication to the public interest will be missed."
REP praised Whitman for the improved environmental protections she was able to advance in a hostile political climate. Her achievements include a recent proposal to clean up diesel engines and fuels used in non-road equipment, such as bulldozers.
"Christie Whitman knows that environmental protection is a critical national priority that can and must transcend partisan divides. Her record shows that Republicans can and must return to a tradition of providing strong, positive conservation leadership," DiPeso said.
REP called on President Bush to appoint a new EPA chief in the mold of William Ruckelshaus, Russell Train, and William Reilly, past Republican EPA Administrators distinguished for their dedication to firm and fair protection of the nation's air, water, and natural heritage.
