Sandra Steele, Educational Consultant

Johnson Sworn In As EPA Administrator

Taylor University – Jim Garringer
June 2, 2005

Flanked by his father, wife and President George W. Bush, Taylor University alumnus Stephen L. Johnson was sworn in last week as the eleventh director in the history of the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Included among his guests were his children, grandchildren and numerous family members and representatives from Taylor, including Jerry and Connie Cramer and Jim and Peter Garringer.

"I'm sorry that Laura couldn't join us, but today she's been touring the Egyptian desert," Bush quipped. "She tells me that if you take away the pyramids, it just looks like West Texas."

Bush cited EPA work during his administration leading to cleaner air and water over the past four years, diesel rules designed to cut emissions by heavy-duty vehicles over 90% by 2015, and the restoration of over 1,200 abandoned industrial sites as well as a cap on mercury emissions. He also called upon Congress to pass the Clear Skies legislation.

"Our policies are protecting the environment while also promoting growth. And I want to thank each employee of this agency for helping make this progress possible," Bush said.

"Steve Johnson is the right man to build on this progress. He has 24 years of experience here at the EPA. He is the first career EPA employee to hold the office of Administrator," added Bush of his newest cabinet member.

"Steve is also the first professional scientist to lead the agency. With this background, Steve will help us continue to place sound scientific analysis at the heart of all major environmental decisions."

Johnson, who prior to the installation presented Bush with a leather-bound copy of the biography of legendary Taylor student Samuel Morris, said he was humbled by the opportunity to serve. "As I prepared for today, I thought about how I felt when the President asked me to lead the EPA. Even after years of Latin, German, scientific training, the only word that I could think of was, 'Wow,'" he said.

"I never prayed for (the job of administrator)," Johnson said later. "It was not even an opportunity that I thought could be within the realm of possibility. My ambitions were to be a senior career person at the EPA."

Johnson, who graduated from Taylor with a BA in Biology in 1973, has remained in close contact with the Upland school, serving as a member of Taylor's Master of Environmental Science steering committee. He and his wife, Debbie, have also been members of Taylor's Parents Cabinet; their three children have also graduated from Taylor; the most recent was their youngest daughter, Allison, who graduated last month.

"It's been such a privilege to work with Steve Johnson as an alumnus of Taylor," said Jerry Cramer, the director of Parent Programs. "His devotion as a father to be involved with the Parents Association, he was the president; and to have the honor of becoming a friend that we were invited to a special ceremony that involved the president; and to know that Steve is serving our country – those are thoughts that go through my mind as I think about Steve."

"I was reminded at graduation when they handed out the servant's towels that we are called to serve for a season," said Johnson. "Obviously, I'm honored and humbled to be recognized by the president and his cabinet."