Leavitt's nomination, quotes

"If the Senate confirms my nomination, it will require that I conclude the service of a decade to a state I love and people I love. But I may do so knowing that the air is cleaner than when I arrived, that the water is more pure, that the land is better cared for and that the people are more safe. I'm leaving it a better place than I found it." — Gov. Mike Leavitt

"Utah's loss is the nation's loss. This does not bode well for the country." — Chip Ward of Families Against Risk an activist group that battles pollution in Utah's desert

"Gentlemen, I'm the president of the United States, and we need your governor's help." — President Bush to Utah House Speaker Marty Stephens and Senate President Al Mansell as quoted by Stephens

"If Utah is an example of what he will do for the nation, the nation had better prepare for the worst." — Denise Boggs executive director of the Utah Environmental Congress

"Giving the job to Mike Leavitt is like putting John Ashcroft in charge of the (American Civil Liberties Union)." — Philip Clapp president of the National Environmental Trust

"(Leavitt) is willing to tackle tough issues. He stepped up with other Western governors (to battle) regional haze problems, and now we are ahead of the game." — Dianne Nielsen director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality

"Husband and lover." — A smiling Myron Walker when asked by a reporter what his title would be if his wife, Olene, becomes governor

"This is not going to be an easy confirmation." — President Al Mansell, Utah Senate

"The air is cleaner and the water is purer than when he became governor. He accomplished that without the confrontation and the political fanfare that usually distorts environmental discussions. He will do a splendid job." — Bob Bennett, U.S. senator from Utah

"I told him, 'You have my congratulations — and my condolences — because it is a difficult job.'" — former Utah Sen. Jake Garn who once chaired the appropriations subcommittee that oversees the EPA

"Gov. Leavitt has worked tirelessly to serve the people of Utah and will continue this leadership at the helm of the Environmental Protection Agency. This is a great honor for Gov. Leavitt and for the people of Utah. I couldn't be more pleased for Mike and his family." — Jon Huntsman Jr., Utah Republican gubernatorial hopeful

"Gov. Leavitt's appointment to President Bush's Cabinet is an honor for our state. I look forward to working with Gov. Leavitt on the important federal issues that he will oversee at EPA." — Congressman Jim Matheson