Obama pledges to stand by EPA
Obama pledges to stand by EPA
By Andrew Restuccia - 01/10/12 03:12 PM ET
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“I want you to know that you’ve got a president who is grateful for your work and will stand with you every inch of the way as you carry out your mission to make sure we’ve got a cleaner world,” Obama told EPA staff during a visit the agency’s headquarters.
Obama also took a jab at Republicans and industry groups, who have mounted a massive campaign to delay or block a slew of EPA regulations, arguing they will burden the economy and cost jobs.
“I don’t buy the notion that we have to make a choice between having clean air and clean water and growing this economy in a robust way,” Obama said. “I think that is a false debate.”
The speech Tuesday was aimed partly at boosting morale at the agency, which suffered a brutal defeat when Obama punted on highly anticipated regulations aimed at lowering ozone pollution.
“I cold not be prouder of the work that you do every single day as federal employees,” Obama said. “I know these jobs are demanding, but I also know what compelled you to enter public service in the first place and that’s the idea that you can make a difference.”
But the remarks were also intended to deliver a clear message to the Republican White House hopefuls – who have made bashing the EPA a top priority – that Obama doesn’t intend to shy away from environmental issues on the campaign trail.
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http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/203383-obama-pledges-to-stand-by-epa