Lisa Jackson is expected to leave her position as head of the Environmental Protection Agency in late January or early February. Despite strong opposition from industry and right wingers, under Jackson’s strong advocacy the EPA has established:??Landmark Protections from Toxic Mercury?- Historic Fuel Efficiency Standards for Cars and Light Trucks?- Critical Air Quality Protections against Sulfur Dioxide and Soot Pollution. Who Obama nominates to fill the top EPA spot will have a strong bearing on measures to check climate disruption and ‘fracking’ pollution.

Michael Brune, Sierra Club Executive Director, issued the following statement:

“On behalf of the Sierra Club and our 2.1 million members and supporters, I want to express our deep gratitude to Administrator Lisa Jackson for her service to Americans who care about clean air, clean water and healthy kids.

“In her four years as EPA Administrator, Lisa has been a steadfast advocate for clean air, clean water, a stable climate and public health – often in the face of very vocal and forceful detractors. With her leadership, our country has made a big down payment on its goals to reduce carbon pollution. Millions of Americans will breathe easier and have access to safe, clean water. We thank Lisa for her work and wish her the very best.”