Crapo, Whitmanâ??s Service Commendable

Washington, DC â?? Idaho Senator Mike Crapo released the following statement regarding the decision of Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christie Todd Whitman to resign. Whitman announced her resignation today, citing a desire to return to New Jersey, where she previously served as governor, and to spend more time with her family. The resignation is effective June 27. Crapo said, â??I appreciate Governor Whitmanâ??s commitment to public service and environmental protection. Time and time again in our work together, she demonstrated a critical understanding of the need to balance environmental gains with the needs of our communities. I am especially thankful for her attention to Idaho issues and the complexities of our stateâ??s environmental challenges. Governor Whitmanâ??s work to increase resources and enhance regulatory flexibility for Idahoans has been important to our mutual interest in a better environment. â??During her tenure at the Environmental Protection Agency, Governor Whitman has appeared several times before the Environment and Public Works Committee on environmental issues. She has been an articulate representative for the Administration on those matters. Her decision to leave in order to return home and spend more time with her family is commendable. I urge the President to move quickly to appoint a successor who will work cooperatively with Congress on the many environmental initiatives we are confronting.â??Crapo, who chairs the Fisheries, Wildlife and Water Subcommittee on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has worked closely with Whitman on a number of EPA issues that have come before his subcommittee and Congress.# # #