As a governor for eight years, I have had a chance to work closely with Governor Whitman on issues important to our neighboring states. Whether working to develop creative new automobile emissions testing standards so our region would enjoy cleaner air, or fighting to protect horseshoe crabs in Delaware Bay from over fishing, I believe Governor Whitman has an ability to find workable solutions without a diminished resolve for a cleaner environment.
I look forward to joining with you, Mr. Chairman, my colleagues on this Committee, and the new Administration to modernize, but never weaken, our nation's commitment to clean air, clean water, and a rich environmental legacy for our children. While we have made important strides in the past three decades, we have an obligation to try harder; to do better. Whatever the challenge, be it global warming, nuclear waste, polluted coastal waters or urban sprawl, we must put our heads together.
As we begin this new century, it is time to examine our nation's environmental successes and challenges, and the laws and regulations we have put into place in the three decades since the Environmental Protection Agency was created. While it is crucial that the EPA Administrator enforce existing environmental laws, they also must support and encourage innovation and cooperation as industries achieve and move beyond current requirements. It is also important that we work to fully exploit the partnership between the EPA and the States in regard to environmental management. There is still much work to do.
I could be accused of a certain bias in believing that a governor might be the right kind of person to administer the EPA, but viewing Governor Whitman's nomination as objectively as I can, here is what I see. I see someone who has had to learn the fine art of working with all branches, levels and parties of government, who understands the power of properly inspired corporate resources, and who has seen firsthand the intimate relation between environmental quality and the wisdom of our energy, transportation, growth management and agricultural policies. I know her as a fellow governor, as a friend and as a neighbor. She is an independent thinker, surrounds herself with excellent people, possesses a strong intellect, and has demonstrated a propensity to think outside the box in preserving the natural resources of New Jersey. I believe that she will bring the power of her state experience to EPA and to our environmental well-being. I am pleased that President-elect Bush has nominated Governor Whitman for this post. I consider it a priviledge to support her nomination and to welcome her here today.
Mr. Chairman, I look forward to hearing from Governor Whitman today, and to working with her during the coming four years. Thank you again for the opportunity to be with you today.