EPA Official Resigns Over "Crucify" Comments

Wall Street Journal

A regional bureau chief at the Environmental Protection Agency resigned Sunday after his harsh comments about regulatory enforcement sparked criticism from Republicans.

Al Armendariz had headed up an office overseeing Texas and four other south-central states since being appointed by President Barack Obama in November 2009.

"I have come to the conclusion that my continued service will distract you and the agency from its important work," Mr. Armendariz wrote in a letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson on Sunday.

Ms. Jackson accepted the resignation and said in a statement that the EPA was "grateful for Dr. Armendariz's service to EPA and to our nation."

House Republicans had called for the firing of Mr. Armendariz after a 2010 video surfaced last week where he likened the agency's enforcement strategy to that of Roman conquerors who would "crucify" bad actors to deter future crimes.

I am amazed that this administration would actually fire this idiot.