Christie Whitman announced that the arsenic standard in drinking water will be 10 parts per billion (ppb). “EPA intends to strengthen the standard for arsenic by substantially lowering the maximum acceptable level from 50 parts per billion (ppb),
which has been the lawful limit for nearly half a century,” Whitman said. “This standard will improve the safety of drinking water for millions of Americans, and better protect against the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes.”
Whitman reiterated that additional study has not delayed the compliance date for implementing a new standard for arsenic in 2006. “Instead it has reinforced the basis for the decision,” said Whitman. “I said in April that we would obtain the necessary
scientific and cost review to ensure a standard that fully protects the health of all Americans, we did that. A standard of 10 ppb protects public health based on the best available science and ensures that the cost of the standard is achievable.”
Source: EPA Press Release
Oct 31, 2001
No longer WHETHER, but HOW to act environmentally
We have seen a significant transformation in the way we view our air, water, and land. Today, there is universal agreement that our natural resources are valuable, not just for the economic prosperity they help create, but for what they add to our
quality of life. No longer do we debate about “whether” we need to act to protect our environment. Instead, we discuss “how” we can keep America green while keeping our economy growing.
Source: Statement to Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works
Jan 17, 2001
New era of policy beyond “command and control”
America is on the cusp of another major transformation. We are ready to enter a new era of environmental policy, that requires a new philosophy of public stewardship and personal responsibility. We are moving beyond the “command and control” model of
regulations and litigation. Instead, we are working to forge strong partnerships among citizens, government, and business that are built on trust, cooperation, and shared mutual goals. Those partnerships are producing results - clear, measurable results.
Source: Statement to Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works
Jan 17, 2001
EPA principles: local cooperation, clear science-based goals
I would like to highlight several of the principles that I will work to implement at the EPA.
We will launch a new era of cooperation among all stakeholders in environmental protection. There is much government can do, but government cannot do it
alone.
We will maintain a strong federal role, but we will provide flexibility to the states and to local communities. They need that flexibility to craft solutions that meet their unique situations. We will also respect state and local authority.
We will continue to set high standards and will make clear our expectations. To meet and exceed those goals, we will place greater emphasis on market-based incentives.
We will use strong science. Scientific analysis should drive policy. Neither policy
nor politics should drive scientific results.
We will work to promote effective compliance without weakening our commitment to vigorous enforcement. We will offer the carrot when appropriate, and always preserve the stick of enforcement.
Source: Statement to Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works
Jan 17, 2001
Spearheaded preservation in heavily developed NJ
Whitman, in accepting the nation’s top environmental spot, said, “This job will be a challenge. ”I have never underestimated the importance of environmental protection, just as I have never overestimated the ease of achieving it,“ she said.
Environmentalists say she’s the best they could expect from a Republican administration, but the New Jersey governor faces criticism even though she spearheaded preservation in the nation’s most densely developed state and backed an unpopular auto
emission test designed to reduce pollution. But critics say she compromised water pollution protections and cut spending for state offices that prosecute environmental abuses by industry.
Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope
said Whitman has a “mixed record on the environment, but on balance we believe the Sierra Club could work with her.”
Source: ABCnews.com
Dec 23, 2000
Supports “smart growth” against suburban sprawl
Whitman could run into trouble with pro-business conservatives for her support for “smart growth” plans to curb sprawl by restricting the suburbanization of rural areas.
And her liberal stands on abortion and gay rights have made her a punching bag for social conservatives trying to prove their right-wing credentials.
Source: ABCnews.com
Dec 23, 2000
Unfettered development is ugly; smart growth instead
I’ve seen what unfettered development looks like. It’s ugly, and it puts basic needs such as a clean water supply at risk. New Jersey cannot fail to act when the drinking water, the health, and the quality of life of our families are
at stake. “No growth” is no answer. The message is that to prevent sprawl, to relieve traffic jams, and to reinvigorate our cities, New Jersey needs to steer development to areas where the infrastructure of roads, schools, and sewers are already in place
Source: Speech at Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University
Apr 27, 2000
Protect clean water via watershed management plans
We know that clean air is invaluable, and we must safeguard it. We know that clean water is priceless, and we must protect our watersheds. Unfortunately, as New Jersey has poured more concrete & cut down more woodlands, we have put watersheds at risk.
The State has set up a process to establish watershed management plans.
Source: State of the State address
Jan 11, 2000
Click here for definitions & background information on Environment.
