March 15, 2005

GW Alumnus to Head EPA

GW graduate Stephen L. Johnson was recently nominated by President Bush to serve as the next full-time chief of the Environmental Protection Agency. Johnson is a career veteran of the agency and has been serving as its acting administrator.

“His immediate task is to work with Congress to pass my Clear Skies initiative,” said Bush in an announcement at the White House. “ ‘Clear Skies’ is a common-sense, pro-environment, pro-jobs piece of legislation,” added the President. “Congress needs to get it to my desk this year.”

The President also asserted that Johnson would play a crucial role in improving homeland security, saying that he is an expert on pesticides and will help to ensure the safety of the country’s food supply.

President Bush called Johnson the “first professional scientist to lead the EPA,” and praised Johnson’s ability to place “scientific analysis at the heart of all decisions.”
If confirmed, Johnson will succeed Michael O. Leavitt, who is now the secretary of health and human services.

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