Jackson leaves EPA ‘sailing in right direction’

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be seeking a new administrator after Lisa Jackson stepped down from the position after four years.

It is believed Jackson told President Barack Obama of her decision to leave her post shortly after his re-election in November. Below is the statement that Jackson issued upon her departure:

‘I want to thank President Obama for the honour he bestowed on me and the confidence he placed in me four years ago this month when he announced my nomination as administrator of the EPA. At the time I spoke about the need to address climate change, but also said: “There is much more on the agenda: air pollution, toxic chemicals and children’s health issues, redevelopment and waste-site cleanup issues, and justice for the communities who bear disproportionate risk”.

‘As the President said earlier this year as he addressed EPA’s employees: “You help make sure the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat are safe. You help protect the environment not just for our children but their children. And you keep us moving toward energy independence…We have made historic progress on all these fronts.” So, I will leave the EPA confident the ship is sailing in the right direction, and ready in my own life for new challenges, time with my family and new opportunities to make a difference.’

It is expected that deputy EPA administrator Robert Perciasepe will fill the position while a long-term successor is deliberated.