TRENTON - Governor Jon S. Corzine today issued the following statement regarding President-elect Barack Obama announcing he would nominate Lisa P. Jackson, Governor Corzine's Chief of Staff, as the next administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

"When it comes to selecting a steward of the nation's environmental treasures, President-elect Obama could not have made a better choice than Lisa Jackson.

 "With her extensive background in environmental issues, coupled with her tenacity, work ethic, and genuine commitment to the environment, Lisa was my unequivocal choice to lead the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and then as my chief of staff. She has steered the state through some of the most challenging environmental issues in New Jersey history - from global climate change to the adoption of a workable alternative energy policy. Her expertise will serve the nation well.

"Even though I lament her loss on behalf of the state of New Jersey, I am galvanized by the prospect of having one of our own showcased on a national stage with the opportunity to preserve our birthright for future generations. Lisa is up to the challenge. The nation's environmental resources will be in good hands with her at the helm of the Environmental Protection Agency."

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 Photos from Governor Corzine's public events are available
in the Governor's Newsroom section on the State of New Jersey web page, http://www.nj.gov/governor/news/