Lisa Jackson speaks at the WaterSense conference in Cleveland, OH (Photo: EPA)Jackson to leave EPA after State of the Union
Head of the US Environmental Protection Agency, Lisa P. Jackson, will resign next month, the EPA announced on 27 December 2012.
Jackson, a chemical engineer by trade, has served as head of the EPA for four years and has led efforts to reduce pollutants and mercury emissions. The agency’s proposal requiring limits on particulate matter emissions recently raised the ire of the American Petroleum Institute, which called the rule "unnecessary."
Commenting on Jackson’s resignation, President Barack Obama called Jackson an important part of his team.
"Under [Jackson's] leadership, the EPA has taken sensible and important steps to protect the air we breathe and the water we drink," Obama said. "[Her efforts include] implementing the first national standard for harmful mercury pollution, taking important action to combat climate change under the Clean Air Act, and playing a key role in establishing historic fuel economy standards that will save the average American family thousands of dollars at the pump, while also slashing carbon pollution."
Jackson said she is leaving the EPA confident that the agency is headed in the right direction. Robert Perciasepe, the EPA's deputy administrator, is expected to takeover for Jackson until a replacement is nominated.
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