Christie Todd Whitman on Environment Former Director of the E.P.A (Pres. Bush Cabinet); Former Republican Governor (NJ)

If we drill in ANWR, take environment into consideration

A: Ultimately that's not my decision. That will be a decision of Congress. Our role in the Environmental Protection Agency will be to ensure that anything that happens is environmentally sound, that we make sure that we impose all the environmental regulations that are necessary to protect it if that's the decision. But that's a decision that's going to be made by the president and Congress and it can't happen without that support.

Q: Do you support that drilling in Alaska?

A: Well, I am part of the V.P.'s energy task force, and we're looking at all the energy alternatives that we have because there's a real crisis. And at that meeting, I always raise my hand to bring in the environment to make sure that anything that is decided on an overall energy policy of which, if there's a decision to drill in ANWR, that would be part of it, takes environment into consideration.

Q: That's not a no?

A: [No response].

Expect $500B to repair aging water infrastructure

A. Water is the number one issue in the world. We have aging sewers, pipes, and septics. It is said to cost $500 billion to a trillion dollars for repairs.

Q. What is your view on regulations?

A. They have to be wise regulations. The American people have to become engaged in the issue. Al Gore has done wonders for this issue with his documentary.

Set arsenic standard at 10 ppb in drinking water

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.”

No longer WHETHER, but HOW to act environmentally

New era of policy beyond “command and control”

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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. We will use strong science. Scientific analysis should drive policy. Neither policy nor politics should drive scientific results.
5. 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.

1990s: Cut NJ DEP; limited pollution monitoring

Relaxed standard for arsenic in public drinking water

1990s: $10M for Sterling Forest; 1M acres of open space

Spearheaded preservation in heavily developed NJ

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.”

Supports “smart growth” against suburban sprawl

Unfettered development is ugly; smart growth instead

Protect clean water via watershed management plans