Schregardus Steps Down as EPA Nominee

Danielle Jackson

Washington, D.C. -- Donald Schregardus has withdrawn his name as President Bush's nominee to be assistant administrator of enforcement for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Schregardus faced considerable opposition from Senate Democrats, including Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., for his less-than-stellar track record in his eight years as head of the Ohio EPA.

According to an EPA report, under Schregardus' lead, the Ohio EPA did not implement part of a federal acid rain program that would have required power plants in the state to spend millions on new pollutant-abating technology.

Schregardus stated in a letter sent to Congress announcing his withdrawal that he remains proud of his record, which also includes 17 years with the federal EPA.