Reuters
December 20, 2002
Green groups urge Bush not to put Michigan Governor at EPA
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USA: December 20, 2002


WASHINGTON - Green groups on Thursday urged President George W. Bush not
to consider naming Michigan Governor John Engler to head the
Environmental Protection Agency, if current EPA administrator Christine
Todd Whitman leaves the agency.

Engler is reported to be on the short list of candidates to replace
Whitman if she decides to give up her job.

In recent weeks, rumors have swirled that Whitman, former republican
governor of New Jersey, was planning to vacate the post. The EPA's press
office has said Whitman has no plans to leave the agency and she has
been booked to attend events through next April.

Just in case, though, a coalition of 26 Michigan environmental groups
told Bush that Engler was "unfit for duty" to head the EPA.

"Based on years of poor performance and a disappointing track record, we
believe that Governor Engler is unfit for duty in the EPA and must not
be considered for any position entrusted with the protection of our
nation's environment or the health of our citizens," the groups said.