Crapo Lauds Leavittâ??s â??Collaborationâ??Background As Choice To Head EPA

Idaho Falls - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo says President Bush has made a strong choice in proposing Utah Governor Mike Leavitt become the next Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Crapo says Leavitt has a record of handling environmental and other issues by forming collaboration groups to find solutions they can agree on. Plus, he says Leavitt represents Western land use issues as a Western state governor. Crapo is a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which oversees activities of the EPA. He expects Leavitt will be confirmed as Administrator.â??I have spoken with Governor Leavitt several times, and the issue always returns to our mutual support of the collaborative process in problem-solving,â?? Crapo said. â??I expect he will have plenty of opportunity to use that collaborative process as we work to settle differences between the local and state governments, and the federal agencies, on environmental issues.â??â??Governor Kempthorne would also have made a very strong administrator and certainly it would have been a feather in Idahoâ??s cap to see someone from our state head a federal agency like the EPA,â?? Crapo added. â??Governor Leavitt brings many of the same skills and a similar background that Governor Kempthorne would have brought to the table. This way, however, we get to keep our governor and see a fellow Westerner take the reins on environmental policy for our nation.â?? # # #FOR INTERESTED MEDIA: A radio actuality is available by calling 1-800-545-1267. Press 327 at any time during or after the greeting and instructions. If you encounter any difficulties with the system, please contact Susan Wheeler at the above number. You can also access the actuality through the Internet at www.senate.gov/src/radio/crapo.