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Johnson featured on Earth Day "Green Scene" video
April 1, 2008 - Stephen Johnson, EPA Administrator, discusses Earth Day 2008, environmental responsibility and the major accomplishments of the Agency.
EPA Administrator congratulates participants on the One Millionth Mercury Auto Switch Collection Milestone
February 29, 2008 - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Stephen L. Johnson congratulated participants in the National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program (NVMSRP) for their collaborative work in collecting the one millionth mercury auto switch today at Pull-A-Part in Conley, Ga. This milestone highlights the NVMSRP partnership's progress toward reducing the amount of toxic mercury released into the air, water and land from scrap vehicles before they are flattened, shredded and melted to make new steel.
“By pulling mercury switches before they enter the recycling system, we are improving the health of our environment and the health of generations of U.S. residents,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. “The one millionth switch may be just another drop in a bucket, but it’s a big step toward erasing the environmental impacts of mercury air emissions in America.”
The Pull-A-Part used auto parts facility in Conley, Ga., provides metropolitan areas with an environmentally responsible way to manage scrap vehicles. Pull-A-Part-Conley recently joined the EPA National Environmental Performance Track Program and is also a member of the EPA National Partnership for Environmental Priorities.
Read more about the Milestone event
Administrator releases EPA's FY2009 budget
February 4, 2008 - Building on 37 years of progress in protecting human health and the environment, EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson today released his agency's $7.14 billion fiscal year 2009 budget.
"President Bush's budget request will continue to deliver environmental results today, as well as keep EPA on course to deliver a cleaner, healthier tomorrow," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "This budget represents government at its best – it helps EPA meet our environmental goals, while being responsible stewards of taxpayers' dollars."
Specifically the budget proposes to strengthen EPA's efforts in Energy and Homeland Security, urban areas around our major ports, nanotechnology research targets and recognizes the challenge of managing in a time of tight fiscal constraints.
Read more about the FY 2009 budget
Johnson Joins US delegation to China
December 10, 2007 - EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson and other Bush administration cabinet officials will meet with senior Chinese officials in Beijing at the third U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) this week. The two countries are giving particular attention to ways in which the United States can help China manage sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants. Johnson will also attend the second Joint Commission on Environmental Cooperation (JCEC).
"Over the past few decades, the U.S. has worked to create an appropriate balance between a growing economy and a healthy environment. As China now faces a similar challenge, we see our collaborations through SED and JCEC as ways to continue to move both our nations toward a cleaner, healthier, more productive future," said Johnson.
In Beijing, Johnson will join other cabinet officials and their Chinese counterparts in the SED to discuss managing the impact of energy choices. Following the conclusion of SED discussions, Johnson will co-chair a meeting of the JCEC with Minister Zhou Sengxian of China's State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA). The officials will assess progress made on water, air, waste, and toxic materials initiatives, and launch a new joint initiative on environmental law and enforcement.
Ask EPA Online Chat
November 1, 2007 - Ask EPA is an online interactive forum where you can discuss a wide range of environmental and human health issues with EPA's senior officials. Administrator Johnson launched Ask EPA to discuss clean and dependable energy solutions, including the Change a Light campaign.
Energy Star Bus Tour
October 3, 2007 - A bright idea hit the road in October: a national tour to promote energy efficient lighting as an easy, effective and money-saving way for American households to help fight climate change. EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson kicked off the 10-city, 20-day Energy Star Change-a-Light Bus Tour at Disneyland.
Read more, watch the video, and listen to the podcast
EPA Administrator Steve Johnson addresses the 19th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in Montreal
September 17, 2007 - "On behalf of the United States of America, I wish to express our sincerest appreciation to the government and people of Canada for hosting the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer on this occasion of the 19th Meeting of the Parties. I appreciate Canada's ongoing commitment to our common effort to protect the Earth’s ozone layer.
"Twenty years ago, the community of nations came together to adopt a strategy for the global challenge of ozone depletion. Today, the United States of America joins our international partners in celebrating the anniversary of the Montreal Protocol – a shining example of how human ingenuity, leadership and determination can create a healthier, better world.
"As Administrator of the U.S. EPA, it is a personal privilege to be here to join in this commemoration. Not only am I proud to follow in the footsteps of the visionary leaders responsible for our successes – including several of my predecessors – I am proud to represent the hundreds of dedicated members of the EPA team, who were influential in fostering this international agreement."
Read the complete text of the Administrator's speech
Administrator Johnson Discusses APEC Summit on "Ask the White House"
September 4, 2007 - EPA Administrator Steve Johnson hosted "Ask The White House," on Friday, September 7. He answered questions about President Bush's trip to the APEC summit in Australia, where climate change and energy security were discussed, and other questions.
Administrator Begins Water Infrastructure Tour
July 30, 2007 – EPA Administrator Steve Johnson kicked off EPA's "Water Infrastructure Tour" at the Atlantic County Utility Authority in Atlantic City, NJ. During his visit, Johnson discussed with local officials how although most of it is buried underground, our water and wastewater infrastructure cannot remain, "Out of sight, out of mind." This stop was the Administrator's first on a two-week tour of drinking water and wastewater facilities across the country. Following his stop in Atlantic City, he will visit facilities in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Texas, Michigan, and Tennessee. Administrator's remarks at the Atlantic County Utilities Authority, NJ
Improving our nation's drinking water and waste water infrastructure is a top priority for EPA. Through technology, innovation, and collaboration, the agency will work to make better use of our resources and move our infrastructure toward greater sustainability for many years to come. Read more about sustainable infrastructure for water & wastewater.
Administrator Johnson and an EPA scientist examine a water sample from Lake Michigan.
Lake Guardian Tour
July 25, 2007 – Administrator Johnson toured EPA’s Lake Guardian research vessel during a recent trip to Traverse City, Michigan to highlight the agency’s commitment to protecting the Great Lakes. The Lake Guardian, EPA’s largest research vessel, conducts monitoring programs that sample water, aquatic life, sediments, and air quality. While on board, the Administrator observed how the ship's state-of-the-art data collection techniques and instruments help monitor the health of the Great Lakes.
In May 2004, President Bush signed a Presidential Executive Order recognizing the Great Lakes as a national treasure, calling for the creation of a "Regional Collaboration of National Significance," and a cabinet-level Interagency Task Force. With the information gathered by the Lake Guardian, EPA and its partners are working to further protect and restore the Great Lakes
Administrator Johnson Leads First-Ever Dialogue with Agriculture Leaders
July 12, 2007 - As part of a new and closer relationship EPA seeks with the farm community, Administrator Stephen L. Johnson in Washington presided over the agency's first-ever dialogue with leaders of the agriculture industry. Johnson discussed three primary issues with attendees: (1) environmental issues facing agriculture in the next 10 years; (2) how the changing face of agriculture will impact the environment; and, (3) how EPA can improve its relationship with agricultural producers and get them more involved in environmental protection.
At the meeting, representatives of the farming industry offered a wide variety of insights and suggestions in response to the issues Johnson raised. They ranged from energy, to science-based decision making, to means by which producers can have more productive interaction with the agency. Participants offered support for EPA's idea of establishing a permanent advisory group to advise the administrator on regulations and policy from a rural perspective. The leaders also expressed enthusiasm for the role they are beginning to play in domestic energy production (ethanol, wind power, etc.) and their desire to see this opportunity develop in an environmentally sustainable manner. Finally, they expressed support for science-based, transparent and economically feasible regulations and decisions, and offered their collaboration to bring these about.
EPA's national strategy for agriculture
EPA, Inter-American Development Bank Commit to Closer Cooperation
July 9, 2007 - EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) President Luis Alberto Moreno signed a Letter of Intent in Washington to protect the environment while promoting economic growth. EPA and IDB are already exploring ways to cooperate on cleaner fuels, methane reduction, and improved environmental governance for the region.
"The U.S. understands we must work together with our international partners as good global neighbors," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "Through this letter of Intent, EPA and IDB are ready to deliver the residents of the Americas a cleaner, healthier, more productive future."
The IDB and EPA may explore the possibility of cooperating in the following areas, among others: (1) Addressing regulatory quality control over fuel and energy use, with particular focus on the IDB member countries in Central America; and (2) Supporting environmental training programs for IDB staff and IDB member countries.
Administrator Steve Johnson joins Mexican, Canadian Environmental Leaders to Promote Green Building and Pollution Tracking Tool for Citizens
June 27, 2007 - Highlighting their shared commitment to environmental progress in North America, EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson joined his Mexican and Canadian counterparts to launch new collaborative environmental initiatives on green building and tracking pollution in North America.
The officials were gathered in Morelia, Mexico for the 14th Council Session of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), an organization created by Canada, Mexico and the United States to address regional environmental concerns.
"Today's collaboration with our North American partners reaffirms President Bush's commitment to being a good global neighbor," said Johnson. "The CEC is an important catalyst for cooperative action in building a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable environment for future generations."
Johnson joined host Juan Rafael Elvira Quesada, Mexican Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, and John Baird, Canadian Environment Minister, for the day-long meeting.
Administrator Johnson, Cabinet Officials Meet with Chinese Delegation on Energy Security and Environmental Stewardship
May 22, 2007 - Administrator Steve Johnson and other members of the president's cabinet joined their Chinese government counterparts to discuss priority initiatives for energy and environmental cooperation. The discussions took place as part of the U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) talks being held this week.
"Pollution knows no geographic or political borders. But by working together at the SED, we are moving America and China toward a cleaner, healthier, more productive future," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "Through our continued dialogue and targeted initiatives, EPA and our international neighbors are writing the next chapter in our countries' ongoing book of environmental collaborations."
Through the SED process, the U.S. hopes to share with China experience in formulating and implementing policies and initiatives that protect the environment while promoting economic growth.
More information about U.S./China collaboration on clean air and energy projects.
Johnson Teaches Environmental Stewardship and Promotes International Cooperative Partnerships
April 30, 2007 - Administrator Stephen L. Johnson visited Roberto Clemente Middle School in Germantown, MD to teach environmental stewardship and discuss the school’s partnership with Shri Ram School - their sister school in Delhi, India. Students presented information about recent projects on the Chesapeake Bay. Administrator Johnson recently returned from a trip to India where he visited the school, and he had an opportunity to speak with the students about his journey.
Roberto Clemente Middle School and Shri Ram School are part of the EPA's Twining of Schools Initiative. The initiative promotes environmental stewardship and develops intercultural dialogue. Through this initiative, students gain a global understanding for the importance of environmentally responsible behavior and learn to create international cooperative partnerships.
Administrator Johnson Discusses the Earth Day on "Ask the White House"
April 20, 2007 - EPA Administrator Steve Johnson logged on to "Ask the White House" to answer questions about Earth Day, climate change and energy efficiency. "Ask the White House" is an online interactive forum that allows Web site visitors to submit questions to Bush administration officials.
Bush Administration Establishes Program to Reduce Foreign Oil Dependency, Greenhouse Gases
April 10, 2007 - EPA Administrator Johnson, Energy Secretary Bodman and National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator Nason responded to President Bush's call to increase the supply of alternative and renewable fuels nationwide, by:
- establishing the nation’s first comprehensive Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program
- increasing the use of alternative fuels, and
- modernizing CAFÉ standards for cars.
"The Renewable Fuel Standard offers the American people a hat trick – it protects the environment, strengthens our energy security, and supports America’s farmers," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "Today, we’re taking an important first step toward meeting President Bush’s "20 in 10" goal of jumping off the treadmill of foreign oil dependency."
Administrator Johnson's Remarks
Administrator Johnson Addresses the “25 Years of Air Act in India” Roundtable in Mumbai, India
March 28, 2007 – Stephen L. Johnson addressed the “25 Years of Air Act in India” Roundtable in Mumbai, to discuss shared environmental challenges. Air quality was one of the challenges discussed, and Administrator Johnson shared some examples of successful collaboration within the US.
Administrator's remarks at the “25 Years of Air Act in India” Roundtable in Mumbai, India
International Affairs Web site
Press release: U.S., India Renew Agreement on Environmental Cooperation
Administrator leads delegation to G8+5 meeting
March 15, 2007 - U.S. EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson will lead the U.S. delegation to the G8+5 Environment Ministers Meeting in Potsdam, Germany, March 15-17. The participants will discuss climate change and biodiversity.
The Group of Eight (G8) is an international forum for the governments of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The "+5" countries include Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa.
EPA Administrator honors Los Angeles activist for volunteer service
February 27, 2007 - In a private ceremony, Administrator Steve Johnson honored environmental activist Dorothy Green, a leader in California water policy, with the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
"Dorothy Green’s unwavering dedication to preserving the environment serves as an example of how individuals can help improve the life of entire communities," said Administrator Johnson. "She is truly an inspiration for others to follow."
The President's Volunteer Service Award is available to youth ages 14 and under who have completed 50 or more hours of volunteer service; to individuals 15 and older who have completed 100 or more hours; and to families or groups who have completed 200 or more hours.
Administrator Johnson Discusses the Environment on "Ask the White House"
February 9, 2007 - EPA Administrator Steve Johnson logged on to "Ask the White House" to answer questions about EPA budget issues, climate change and energy efficiency. "Ask the White House" is an online interactive forum that allows Web site visitors to submit questions to Bush administration officials.
President Bush's FY 2008 Budget Request for EPA: The Next Phase of Environmental Progress
February 5, 2007 - Administrator Johnson stressed shifting into the next phase of environmental progress - the green culture - with the release of the FY 2008 Environmental Protection Agency budget.
"As our nation shifts to a green culture, Americans are realizing that environmental responsibility is everyone's responsibility. Today, EPA has 300 million citizen-partners in our efforts to accelerate the pace of environmental protection," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "President Bush's budget request will fund EPA's role as our country enters this next phase of environmental progress."
About the President's FY 2008 budget request for EPA
All the FY 2008 budget requests for the U.S. federal government