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Fabricant Announces Resignation as EPA’s General Counsel

Release Date: 08/14/2003
Contact Information:


Contact: EPA Office of Public Affairs, 202 564-9828


(08/14/03) Robert E. Fabricant, General Counsel of the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency, today submitted his resignation to the President. Fabricant’s resignation becomes effective on September 3.

Mr. Fabricant has served as the Bush Administration’s top environmental lawyer for the past two years providing legal advice and counsel to former EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman.

"It has been an honor and privilege to serve the President and Governor Whitman and to play an important role in the many environmental accomplishments of this Administration," Mr. Fabricant said.

Mr. Fabricant presided over the Agency's successful defense of strict new air quality standards for ozone and particulate matter. He played a key role in the defense of wetlands and other Clean Water Act jurisdictional decisions, assisted in the passage of the Administration’s Brownfields redevelopment legislation, and managed a law office composed of more than 300 attorneys at EPA headquarters and in the EPA’s 10 regional offices.

Prior to being appointed to the EPA post by the President, Fabricant served as Ms. Whitman's Chief Counsel during her tenure as Governor of New Jersey.

"Bob has been a trusted advisor for many years, and has played a critical role in my accomplishments. While EPA will be losing a strong leader, New Jersey will welcome home a favored son with open arms and great expectations," Ms. Whitman said.

"Bob will be missed, not only at EPA, but throughout Washington. His strong leadership, advocacy and keen understanding of federal environmental law have played a key role in the many successes of the Agency," said Acting EPA Administrator Marianne Horinko.

“The Office of General Counsel is the finest environmental law firm in the nation. The successes we enjoyed and the accomplishments we achieved are a reflection of the dedication of the EPA’s outstanding group of lawyers," Fabricant said.

"My service to EPA was a rewarding experience that provided me with a unique view of state and federal law,” said Fabricant who will return to the private practice of law in his home state of New Jersey.”