President Bush has nominated the acting administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to be its new head.
At the White House Friday, the president asked Congress to promptly approve Steve Johnson for the position. Mr. Johnson is a professional scientist and a career EPA employee.
Mr. Bush also asked Congress to get his proposed "Clear Skies" legislation to his desk for signing this year. He called the proposal, which aims to dramatically reduce power plant emissions, a "common sense, pro-environment and pro-jobs" initiative.
However, environmental groups have criticized the proposed legislation, saying it would actually weaken existing air pollution regulations, known as the "Clean Air Act."
Some information for this story provided by Reuters.