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Statement Regarding President Bush's Nomination
Governor Mike Leavitt
August 11, 2003

Earlier today, the president of the United States announced his intention to nominate me to his cabinet as Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

This is obviously a moment in time when my love of this state, its people and the privilege of serving them are very much on my mind. Because of the magnitude of this decision, I want to recount the events leading up to it, my feelings about it and the possible ramifications it may have on our state.

While I am honored the president has nominated me to serve, I did not seek this appointment. In late May, the White House contacted me and asked if I would meet with them to discuss the position during an already-scheduled trip to Washington D.C. I agreed, and in early June the media accurately reported that I told the White House that serving in this position would be problematic.

Nearly 30 days passed without contact from the White House, and I assumed the matter had been resolved. Then during the first week of July the president asked me to meet with him. We talked about a number of subjects, but the primary topic of the meeting was the direction of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and my availability to lead it.

Part of our discussion that day was an inquiry regarding how I would respond if the president asked the people of Utah to release me from my commitment to complete my full term. I replied that resolving my commitment in an honorable way was a prerequisite to any serious discussion. Again, nearly a month passed without contact from the White House.

During that month, my family’s deliberations turned to the question of whether to seek another term of service. This is a question we never fully resolved.

Today President Bush met personally with Senate President Al Mansell and Speaker Marty Stephens. He told them this nomination was important to our country and he needed my service. They expressed their support on behalf of the people of Utah and agreed to work with other legislators to ensure a smooth transition.

This has been a tender experience for me. I love this state. I love its people. Serving as governor is a remarkable privilege and honor. In the end, my acceptance of the president’s request boiled down to four things.

First, the president of the United States called on me to serve the nation because he believes I can make a unique contribution. Last month I talked to one of the 6,000 Utahns activated for the war. He is a physician who left his practice and three children to honor the call to serve. That example has had a powerful influence on my decision to serve.

Second, it is time in my third term of service to either finish up the current agenda or lay out a vision for the next four years and start a campaign. As I considered the unparalleled growth and development of the state during the past 11 years, and the considerable accomplishments of this administration, I concluded that my policy agenda was nearly completed. Lieutenant Governor Walker, who has been a tireless and able proponent of our goals, is prepared to carry them out to conclusion.

Next, I believe as a nation we have an abounding capacity to continue our path of environmental progress, and an imperative to do so at less cost. I believe I can help protect this nation's land, air and water by promoting a higher and more meaningful level of cooperation and the application of new technologies. I also believe the United States of America has great potential to inspire cooperative efforts among the nations of this world—and that is exciting.

And finally, as another satisfying moment in the chapter of this administration, we have the opportunity to support Utah’s first female governor. Utah has never had a woman governor, and I can think of no woman in the history of this state who is better qualified or deserving than Olene Walker. The combination of Olene, a remarkably seasoned cabinet, and a great staff would bring great value to this state in the months that remain.

While the president will nominate me, the United States Senate will ultimately decide if I will actually serve. The confirmation process could take a matter of weeks or months depending on many factors, none of which I control.

In the meantime, my first priority and focus will remain to serve the people of this state as Utah’s governor—whether that term is 50 or 500 days. The lieutenant governor and I have worked side-by-side for nearly 11 years. If my appointment is confirmed, the transition to Lieutenant Governor Walker will be seamless and smooth.

For now I will focus on two priorities: Utah's transition to competency-measured education and management of the state budget through these demanding economic times. In September, I will travel the state discussing competency-measured education. I believe this is a much-needed change in our education system that will better prepare our children for a brighter future. I will also carefully lay the foundations for next year’s budget to make sure that critical state needs are met.

We have a lot to accomplish in Utah. As this process unfolds, I will continue working to make our great state even better--I hope you’ll do the same.