Senator Lautenberg Appalled Over Bush Choice To Head EPA, Cites Abysmal Environmental Record of Mr. Leavitt as Governor of Utah

WASHINGTON, D.C. - United States Senator Frank R. Lautenberg issued the following statement during today's action by the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee allowing the nomination of Utah Governor Michael Leavitt as the new Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to go forward. Senator Lautenberg is scheduled to place a "hold" on Mr. Leavitt's nomination as a result of his abysmal environmental record as Governor of Utah.

"I am appalled that President Bush has selected Utah Governor Michael Leavitt to be the next administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency--the Nation's top environmental executive. Though a few Senators have placed holds on the Leavitt nomination, based on the Bush Administration's sorry environmental record, I believe this nomination must be assessed in light of Governor Leavitt's own environmental record. Governor Leavitt has repeatedly refused to enforce our Nation's environmental laws, damaging Utah's environment so corporate polluters can make millions.

In EPA's recent report on enforcement of the Clean Water Act, Utah came in dead last, tied with two other States, for its shameful enforcement record. The President has clearly chosen someone just like himself, one who believes environmental laws can be ignored with impunity by industries that pollute and poison the environment.

Documents have been brought to my attention that demonstrates a sustained pattern of failure by Governor Leavitt and his administration to protect the health of the citizens of Utah. Tens of thousands of Americans die each year because of polluted air, water and soil. We need as EPA administrator, one who takes seriously their responsibility to protect the public's health, safety and welfare."