By OGJ editors
WASHINGTON, DC, Aug. 12 -- The White House's decision to nominate Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt (R) to lead the US Environmental Protection Agency affirms that President George W. Bush is serious about removing bureaucratic obstacles surrounding public land development, industry groups said.
President Bush said he chose Leavitt, the nation's longest-serving governor, because, "he leads by consensus and focuses on results, instead of process."
He praised Leavitt's position as co-chair of the Western Regional Air Partnership, saying the governor "has been a leader in applying high standards in air quality, and he understands the importance of clear standards in every environmental policy. He respects the ability of state and local governments to meet those standards, rejects the old ways of command and control from above."
The Senate is expected to consider the Leavitt nomination in September when lawmakers return from a recess. Senate approval is expected but not guaranteed. Several mainstream environmental groups oppose Leavitt, saying he is too pro-industry.
Leavitt, 52, a Utah native, believes he has been a good environmental steward during his terms as governor.
"If the Senate confirms my nomination, it will require that I conclude the service of a decade to a state I love and to people I love. But I may do so knowing that the air is cleaner than when I arrived, that the water is more pure, that the land is better cared for, and that the people are more safe. I'm leaving it a better place than I found it," Leavitt said.
As governor, Leavitt crafted an environmental program called "Enlibra," which later was adopted by the National Governor's Association. The Utah governor's web site said, "Enlibra is based on the dual concepts of balance and stewardship and built upon principles of flexibility, innovation, partnership and collaboration. The philosophy emphasizes collaboration over coercion, incentives to solve environmental disputes, and the belief that natural resources can provide opportunity and be protected."
Leavitt credits this philosophy for his role in helping to reach consensus with 13 states, three tribal nations, and three federal agencies on a plan to clean up Grand Canyon smog.
Stakeholder views
Environmental groups focusing on land use issues were the most critical about President Bush's choice.
"Our nation's wilderness heritage should not be for sale, nor determined by narrow and parochial special interests. Gov. Leavitt's poor record on wilderness protections in his home state does not bode well for the American people, who believe they should have a voice in how their environment is protected," said Doug Scott, policy director, Campaign for America's Wilderness.
"Protecting our wilderness, air and water quality, public health, and global warming are concerns ordinary Americans take very seriously— for themselves and their children. We need someone who will stand up to the polluters and the developers. President Bush could have made a far wiser choice," Scott said.
But industry officials were enthusiastic about the White House's decision, although few associations offered on the record comment. The Electric Reliability Coordinating Council, which represents utilities, made public comments that were similar in tone to what oil lobbyists privately expressed.
"We are pleased that a governor with a strong record of consensus building is President Bush's choice to head EPA," said ERCC executive director Scott Segal. "The appointment is consistent with the President's record of finding talented, thoughtful, dynamic individuals whom we has worked closely with over the years as a fellow governor."
