Robert F. Kennedy: Environmental Protection Agency Head?

In an interview with the Huffington Post, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. -- reportedly under consideration by Barack Obama to head the Environmental Protection Agency -- said that if asked, he would serve.

Expressing deep satisfaction -- almost relief -- with the election of Barack Obama yesterday, Robert Kennedy Jr., the longtime environmental activist and member of the Democratic Party's most cherished family, said he would serve the next president if asked.

"You know what, I would be of service in any way that the administration asked me to be," Kennedy told the Huffington Post. "But I am also very happy and I believe I am being effective doing the stuff I am doing currently."

More from Politico:

President-elect Barack Obama is strongly considering Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Environmental Protection Agency, a Cabinet post, Democratic officials told Politico.

...

The selection of Kennedy would be a shrewd early move for the new presidential team. Obama advisers said the nomination would please both Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.).

It also would raise the profile of the EPA, which would help endear Obama to liberals who may be disappointed on other issues important to the Democratic left because of budget restrictions.

The EPA enforces clean air and clear water laws. Kennedy, an environmental lawyer and son of the late senator and attorney general Robert F. Kennedy, has long championed a cleaner water supply for New York City.

As an officer and attorney for the environmental watch group Riverkeeper, Kennedy has taken on governments and companies for polluting the Hudson River and Long Island Sound.

Read posts by Robert Kennedy Jr. at The Huffington Post.

Comments

[TroubleNYC]

Can't think of a better choice.

[Jennifer]

Yea!

[SHOPARAZZI]

lets get this party started

[redsongia]

Nice1

[PDXJoe]

Awesome! He's perfect for the job.

[Sumocat]

An environmental lawyer would be a welcomed change of pace from an energy lobbyist, fill-in, and head of a bio-tech firm. Imagine, someone in charge of environmental protection who actually knows something about environmental protection laws.

[truth seeker]

"An environmental lawyer ..."

EXCUSE ME? How about a SCIENTIST?? Someone who actually UNDERSTANDS the issues.

[DeniseD]

Robert Kenedy has a firm grasp of understanding environmental issues. As a successful environemtnal attorney he has to have a good understanding of the science relating to these issues. As a former molecular biologist, I have a great deal of confidence in Mr. Kennedy and think he would be a great choice.

[Sumocat]

The Environmental Protection Agency is a law-enforcement agency. It engages in investigations, which requires agents with science backgrounds. It develops regulations, which requires scientific research. The scientists do these jobs have seen their efforts ignored and redacted these past eight years, which has caused many to leave. What they need is not another scientist to interpret their work, but a leader who knows how to enact their long-ignored regulations and enforce the law.

[Cyano]

Wow, what an incredible choice he would be. Wow (at the risk of being redundant.)

[seal62]

Hey,,,im Mike the steamfitter,,Mike the Navy Seal for 8 yrs before that.I cryed last night on the change of course this country made last eve.When i saw the epa could be run by Bobby K i broke down again.America...i'm soooo proud of you..YOU made the world better.

[MANK]

Imagine, someone who loves the planet! What a fantastic idea! Why didn't Bush think of it?

[wildervine]

Thank God the change is happening. Excellent choice. I wouldn't mind seeing Al Gore in there somewhere, too, since he's worked so hard to raise awareness of global warming.

[JHCowboy]

AWESOME!!!!!!

[Progress08]

Not only for EPA, but think of the sweeping voting laws that Bobby could assist the cabinet with

[DemoMom]

That would be such a good move. The environment has been treated with such disrespect these past 8 years so it would be fantastic to have someone at the top who is intelligent and will do what is necessary. He will stand up to Big Oil and the other powerful lobbyists and I'm thrilled at this idea.

[TocinoHumano]

"This comment is pending approval and won't be displayed until it is approved."


Some things never change.

[Manx]

Imagine having an EPA chief who actually cares about the environment. Kennedy would be an excellent choice.