When it enacted the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") and created CEQ over 30 years ago, Congress declared that it is the "continuing policy of the Federal Government, in cooperation with State and local governments, and other concerned public and private organizations, to use all practicable means and measures, including financial and technical assistance, in a manner calculated to promote the general welfare, to create and maintain conditions under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony, and fulfill the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations of Americans."
Senator John Chafee, one of the greatest environmental statesmen of the Senate, described this as a "tall order, but an important one." I agree, and fully embrace NEPA's broad policy objective. It is why I joined the environmental profession. It is why I have focused my legal practice on the most challenging matters of environmental policy and the promotion of innovative approaches to environmental protection. The commitment to responsible environmental stewardship is a family matter in my household. My wife Susanna and I are constantly amazed by our daughter Grace's budding passion for nature and conservation. Every day my son Spencer says "O.K. Daddy, give me an environmental issue," and then earnestly and confidently discusses how to address it. Their passion and concern reinforces my own commitment.
I therefore look forward with great enthusiasm to leading CEQ in its core mission. First, to provide objective, well-informed, and realistic advice to the President, his advisors, and the Cabinet about the future direction of environmental policy. Second, to coordinate the implementation of environmental programs and resolve policy disputes among federal agencies, state, tribal, and local government, and private citizens. Third, to promote a balanced decision-making process that accounts for the views of all affected parties.
I would like to highlight three aspects of my background that are particularly relevant to this nomination. The first is the strength of my commitment to serving the public interest. I have exceptional role models, beginning with my father. With the unflagging support of my mother, he spent over 30 years as a clinical professor of child psychiatry working to improve the lot of children and families, often in the most desperate of circumstances, in Baltimore's inner city. I will count myself fortunate if I can bring to government service even a fraction of the decency and dedication to the public good that my father demonstrated every day of his career. I also will be guided by the high standards of public service set by my mentors at the firm who previously served both Republican and Democratic presidents and governors with distinction.
Second, I am a strong proponent of searching for and harnessing the power of consensus in meeting shared environmental goals. I have had the privilege of traveling the world helping to create what is known as the ISO 14000 series of international environmental standards. These standards promote effective, results-oriented environmental management and responsible environmental communication. They reflect the consensus of hundreds of dedicated professionals from industry, environmental organizations, consumer organizations, government and academia, from the U.S. and over 50 other countries. Tens of thousands of organizations around the world already are quietly and efficiently adopting these standards to address the environmental consequences of their operations. Remarkably, participation in this process and implementation of these standards is entirely voluntary. I have seen first hand the dramatic results that such voluntary, market-driven action can achieve. It is faster, it is cheaper, and it works.
Third, I am a forceful advocate and practitioner of environmental stewardship where it matters most—at the source. I have spent much of the last four years traveling the country helping companies implement "ISO 14001," the international environmental management system standard. From Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Ocala, Florida, from Detroit Michigan to East Liberty, Ohio, from Windfall, Pennsylvania to Kingstree, South Carolina, I have worked with business managers and operators on the factory floor, showing them how to integrate environmental obligations into their day-to-day operational practices and long term business planning. Their efforts are predicated on three fundamental commitments: compliance, prevention of pollution, and continual improvement. These hard-working people are the nation's front line in environmental protection. We must do what we can to capitalize on their energy, unleash their creativity, and remove obstacles to their success.
President Bush has encouraged Americans to join him in renewing our commitment to protecting the environment and leaving our children and grandchildren with a legacy of clean water, clean air, and natural beauty. Embarking on the 21st century of environmental quality requires not only reinforcement of what is working, but also the zealous application of new ideas and methods.
Mr. Chairman, if confirmed, I look forward to advancing NEPA's goal of ensuring productive harmony between man and nature, through a constructive dialogue with Congress, with federal, state, tribal and local government agencies, and most important, with the public whose trust we all hold.