Sunday, November 24, 2024

July 25, 2001 sees Congressional Record publish “TRIBUTE TO COMMISSIONER ROBERT W. VARNEY”

Volume 147, No. 105 covering the 1st Session of the 107th Congress (2001 - 2002) was published by the Congressional Record.

The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.

“TRIBUTE TO COMMISSIONER ROBERT W. VARNEY” mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency was published in the Senate section on pages S8201 on July 25, 2001.

The publication is reproduced in full below:

TRIBUTE TO COMMISSIONER ROBERT W. VARNEY

Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to an esteemed colleague and dear friend, Robert W. Varney, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, NHDES, on being appointed Regional Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA--New England.

Mr. Varney has served the Granite State as Commissioner of NHDES since July of 1989, having been appointed by three Governors, Judd Gregg, Steve Merrill and Jeanne Shaheen, with the unanimous approval of the Executive Council. Mr. Varney was responsible for the great task of overseeing all of New Hampshire's air, water and waste programs issues. He is recognized nationally as an environmental leader, and has presided over countless prestigious environmental committees and organizations, including President of the Environmental Council of the States, ECOS, the National Organization of State Environmental Commissioners and has served on the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council.

While his national recognition is commendable, Mr. Varney's prowess in the New England region has been demonstrated by his high ranking positions on numerous regional organizations such as the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment, the Ozone Transport Commission, the New England Governors Conference Environment Committee, and the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission, just to name a few. In June 2000, his efforts to partner with the private sector were recognized when he was presented with the Paul Keough Environmental Award for Government Service by the Environmental Business Council of New England.

As former Chairman and current ranking member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, and one time Chairman of the Superfund Sub-committee, I have had the pleasure of working quite closely with Mr. Varney on a wide range of issues. On numerous occasions I have depended on his far-reaching environmental expertise to testify before Congress on key issues such as the dangers of the fuel additive MTBE, the current status of superfund cleanup activities and on successful state environmental programs.

With the help of Mr. Varney's leadership, New Hampshire has become, and continues to be, a front-runner in exploring innovative, low-cost technologies while reaping the benefits of developing successful Federal and State relationships. I commend Mr. Varney for his exemplary service to New Hampshire, and look forward to watching the success that will follow him in this next endeavor. New Hampshire, New England and the Nation are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated environmental leader take on the vitally important role of EPA Regional Administrator, and I am certain he will execute this duty with comparable distinction. It is with pleasure that I extend my deepest congratulations and hope for future success.

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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 147, No. 105