Health and Wellness

Leavitt Takes Over as EPA Administrator

Former Utah governor Mike Leavitt was sworn in November 6, 2003 as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Leavitt said his approach to environmental management can be summed up in one word: balance. "We need to balance the needs of the environment and the needs of humanity ... balance the needs of this generation and the next."

During the confirmation process, Leavitt emphasized his strengths of collaborative environmental management, his commitment to air and water quality, land conservation, and his dedication to ensuring stewardship of national resources. The implementation of changes to the Clean Air Act that primarily affect electrical utilities is likely to be Leavitt's biggest early challenge at EPA.