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News Release
October 27, 2003

Contacts: Natalie Gochnour (801) 538-1503
Kort Utley (801) 538-1053

Statement on the Senate Confirmation Vote
Gov. Mike Leavitt
October 28, 2003

I express my gratitude to the United States Senate for a strong, bipartisan vote today. I also wish to thank President Bush for his confidence in my ability to lead the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

I accept this responsibility knowing that the president is committed to substantially more environmental progress, and doing it in a way that does not compromise our place in the world competitively. My first priority in this cause is to earn the confidence and trust of the approximately 18,000 employees of the Environmental Protection Agency.

It is with mixed emotions that I leave a state, people and service I love. I will spend the last days of my administration completing key initiatives, ensuring a smooth transition and thanking the people of Utah for the privilege of serving as their governor for eleven years.