By a vote of 88 to 8, the Senate approved the appointment of Gov. Michael Leavitt to the top post at the Environmental Protection Agency. He replaces former Gov. Christie Whitman of New Jersey who resigned in June after two, friction-filled years in the post. "We're excited about the confirmation," said EPA spokesperson Lisa Harrison. "We think Gov. Leavitt will be a great and thoughtful leader." President Bush nominated Leavitt to head the EPA in August, citing his strong environmental record (PCT 8/12). As head of EPA, Leavitt will be walking into the middle of several heated regulatory battles, including the recent New Source Review final ruling signed by acting Administrator Marianne Horinko in late August. Twelve states and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit to block the new regulation (PCT 10/28).
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