Democrats Give Jeffords Environment Committee Chair

July 12, 2001
Sen. James Jeffords of Vermont, who shifted the balance of power in the Senate to the Democrats when he left the Republican\r\nparty, became chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee this week.

Sen. James Jeffords of Vermont, who shifted the balance of power in the Senate to the Democrats in May when he left the Republican party, became chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee this week.

The committee has jurisdiction over endangered species, wildlife refuges and nuclear power plants.

Jeffords, now an independent, was unanimously approved by Democrats as the first head of a standing Senate committee in 68 years who is not a member of a major political party.

Jeffords promised to challenge Bush on his environmental protection record.

"I''ve been disappointed by his environmental record," Jeffords said. "I hope he will begin to see things differently."

The Bush administration has come under heavy criticism from environmentalists and Democrats over recent environmental policy decisions such the rejection of the Kyoto treaty to combat global warming and a broken promise to impose emissions reductions for carbon dioxide at electrical power plants.

Shortly after Bush reneged on his promise to impose mandaroty emissions reductions for carbon dioxide at electrical power plants, Jeffords and Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., introduced legislation that would require such cutbacks.

As environment committee chairman, Jeffords will now be able to call a hearing on the bill.

One of Jefford''s first moves as committee chairman was to meet this week with EPA Administrator Christie Whitman.

by Virginia Sutcliffe

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

Sponsored Recommendations

What is the key difference between OSHAS 18001 vs. ISO 45001

March 13, 2025
Learn about the main differences between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001, and how ISO 45001 takes a proactive approach to prevent work-related incidents. Find out why businesses should...

Ensuring a Safer Workplace through a Comprehensive Contractor Qualification Framework

March 13, 2025
Avetta is a leader in contractor management, and with over 15 years of industry experience, we can help you establish a robust contractor pre-qualification program that aligns...

EQT Private Equity to Acquire Avetta from WCAS

March 13, 2025
EQT commits to supporting Avetta in its ongoing growth and innovation journey.

Guide to OSHA Workplace Lighting Requirements

March 13, 2025
Learn OSHA workplace lighting requirements to enhance safety, productivity, and quality. Discover standards, compliance benefits, and risks of non-compliance.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!