EPA's 30th Anniversary Celebrated
[EPA History Office - January 19, 2001]
charter employees at EPA's
30th anniversary celebration
EPA observed its 30th anniversary as an independent agency on December 13, 2000, with a celebration at its Headquarters Ronald Reagan Building Atrium. Master of ceremonies Romulo Diaz, EPA Assistant Administrator for Administration and Resources Management, noted the plan for the event was to be short on speeches and long on fun. The event featured music by Afro-Cuban instrumentalist Saleem Waters and by EPA's Dixieland Band; display of an EPA 30-year timeline that had been featured in the EPA exhibit at Earth Day 2000 on the National Mall; and display of a walk-through Eco-House demonstrating ways to protect the environment at home.
The celebration also included remarks by Deputy Administrator Mike McCabe noting the achievements of EPA and its staff; a group photo of the EPA charter employees in attendance with the Deputy and Assistant Administrators; distribution of a commemorative booklet featuring the names of the 432 charter employees; and refreshments.
Carol Browner, on business with President Clinton in Ireland, was unable to attend. A letter from President Clinton was read, highlighting EPA achievements and praising the service of Browner and the charter employees:
Clinton Letter on EPA's 30th Anniversary
THE WHITE HOUSE
Washington
December 11, 2000
Warm greetings to everyone celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Environmental Protection Agency.
As we mark this milestone, I want to express my appreciation, and that of a grateful nation, to the thousands of outstanding civil servants at EPA who have worked over the past three decades to safeguard our health and the health of our environment. I am especially proud to acknowledge the service of the 432 charter employees who have worked at EPA from the agency's beginning and who are still serving their fellow Americans today.
From regulating auto emissions to banning the use of DDT; from cleaning up toxic waste to protecting the ozone layer; from increasing recycling to revitalizing inner-city brownfields, EPA's achievements have resulted in cleaner air, cleaner water, and a better quality of life for us all. In the last eight years alone, thanks to the efforts of EPA's dedicated workforce and the vision and leadership of Carol Browner, the longest-serving Administrator in EPA's history, we have seen unparalleled improvements in environmental cleanups and public health protections.
I salute each of you for your commitment to excellence and achievement, and I am confident that, as we face new environmental challenges in the years to come, you will continue your exemplary service to our nation and the American people.
Best wishes for a memorable anniversary celebration.
Bill Clinton