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

[ohyes]

OH Yes!

[TocinoHumano]

OK, now we're getting somewhere. Bobby Kennedy doesn't buy that nonsense about safe nukes and clean coal. This is an appointment I can get behind 100%.


Rahm Emanuel, on the other hand...


Well, as a hard-letist I don't expect to get all of what I would like to get from President Obama, but Bobby Kennedy in charge of the EPA--WOOO-HOOOO!!!

[luziannagirl]

Yes, yes, YES!

But, would any Presidential administration up to RFK, Jr.'s standards? He's a pretty straight shooter.

[CitizenoftheRepublic]

Just what we need!

[markie1111]

i don't think so. i admire RFK Jr. for a lot things. but as a scientist if find some of the stuff he has put out as specious. the post demands someone who is rock solid and he doesn't meet that standard. .... and yes we are, nuts to let corprations anywheres near our democracy.

[truth seeker]

YES! Why isn't ANYONE else here concerned about this? RFKjr has said some very WRONG things which would make someone wonder if he TRULY understands SCIENCE. Haven't we all had ENOUGH of people in positions of power who will pursue an AGENDA ... EVEN IF IT HAS NO BASIS IN FACT??? COME ON PEOPLE, THAT'S WHAT BUSH GAVE US FOR 8 YEARS!!!

[luziannagirl]

truth_seeker

Unfortunately for we the people, there is a difference between the standards of mainstream basic science and the standards of medicine and medical science. And it's not a good difference.

The results of most of today's medical research are corrupted because the studies are routinely interfered with by their funders, the big drug companies. The drug companies hold proprietary rights to these studies, and don't even have to release information unfavorable to their products! And, there's no real peer review as in basic science. And when patents are involved, there's little opportunity to repeat studies by other researchers

Don't take my word for it, though. Just read _The Republican War On Science_ by Chris Mooney, or any one of a number of articles over the last 8 years in the journal _Science_.

[petewsh61]

Could you be more specific? Because as a scientist that has not been my impression.

[truth seeker]

He has been a "crusader" for the FALSE "thimerosal autism link" EVEN AFTER ALL DATA FROM CONCLUSIVE STUDIES SHOWED NO SUCH LINK...

God help us ...

[CitizenoftheRepublic]

Tkahns four yu input! tard!

[Weeza]

What a difference a day makes !!

[boddhisatva66]

THAT WOULD BE FANTASTIC IF THIS WOULD HAPPEN...OMG!!!!!!!

[themoviepi1984]

awesome! please Obama make Kennedy the EPA! we need his awareness for the earth in power!

and then let Dennis Kucinich take on FDA and GMO monsanto food monsters!

[DeniseD]

I say let Dennis Kucinich lead the way in prosecuting the Bushies for their war crimes!

[rmm4402]

Don't forget Citgo Joe as ambassador to Venezuela......

[TrnsNtnl]

RFJ Jr. as head of the EPA would give people faith in the organization once again. It has been a complete failure for years considering protecting the environment was at the bottem of its list of priorities. I hope RJK Jr has a place in Obamas cabinet somewhere.

[sticksnstones]

Overnight my world is getting better by the buckin' foment !! Excellent pick.

[Progress08]

With him at EPA and Nepalitano as AG we could finally get some good prosecution against the polluting ba$tards who are poisoning our children. Plus, think about the sweeping energy reform that Bobby would impliment. Yayyyyyyy!

[NoSillyName]

Bravo!!!

[Meggie]

Excellent choice!
This post, same as DoD, should NOT be a republican!
In fact, I can think of other competent dems who call fill ALL posts. We should agree with repubs on this that affirmative action isn't always the best course.

[Fabienne]

Are there any green Republicans? John McCain once leaned that way, but that was long before "Drill baby drill!"

[johninoregon]

Schwarzenegger has been one of the leading American politicians on global warming. And he has indicated his openness to serving in an Obama administration. I love to imagine him as Secretary of Energy, going up against an Exxon exec!

[Girlforaction]

Wow, change is coming. Gotta love Obama. Intelligent man, wise team. And did I mention he is a cutie. I love my baby.

[SuzyQ08]

Excellent!!!!