I look forward to working with you on a variety of issues, including more funding and assistance to local communities to deal with water infrastructure needs.

For the past 8 years, the Bush Administration has not provided the leadership we need on some of the biggest environmental challenges of our time--global warming, energy independence and cleaning up our Nation's air.

I want to say for the record that I think Steve Johnson did an outstanding job as Director of the EPA.

We can no longer afford inaction on climate change or air pollution.

I think it is the most difficult job that one can have in the Federal Government.

But beyond just refusing to do its part, the Administration has also held up any Federal regulation on climate change--despite the Supreme Court ruling that the regulation of carbon dioxide is required under the Clean Air Act.

We hope you will have the opportunity to come and see us, too.

The good thing about diesel engines is they last a long time. The bad things about diesel engines is they last a long time.

I think these next 2 years may be the most important 2 years that I serve in public office, because of the condition of our economy and the threat, in all aspects, to the world economy.

I hope that EPA drops the mercury rule case, and does not appeal it further.

However, for the last 8 years, the Bush administration has not provided the information we need on some of the biggest environmental challenges of our time.

We are going to continue to not only be present as we watch the work, the cleanup that is done in conjunction with this particular disaster.