Judge Orders Ombudsman Office Not to Move Yet

Danielle Jackson

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. District Court Judge Richard W. Roberts has issued a temporary restraining order against the Bush administration, preventing a reshuffle the office of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hazardous waste ombudsman.

Robert Martin, head of the ombudsman's office, asked the court to block EPA Administrator Christie Whitman from moving his office to the EPA Inspector General's office because he said the move would weaken his independence within the agency.

The judge ordered the restraining order until a full hearing on the matter could be scheduled. The order remains in effect until Feb. 26.