Lisa Jackson, who oversaw the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), since the beginning of President Obama's first term in office, stepped down from her role as administrator Thursday.
Early in her tenure at the EPA, Jackson saw her and the Obama Administration's efforts to pass a Cap-and-Trade bill limiting noxious emissions die in the Senate. Nevertheless, the agency successfully lobbied for improved fuel-efficiency standards and passed new restrictions through the Clean Air Act.
In a statement announcing her departure, Jackson referenced some of the agency's victories over the past four years.
"There is much more on the agenda: air pollution, toxic chemicals, and children’s health issues, redevelopment and waste-site cleanup issues, and justice for the communities who bear disproportionate risk...We have made historic progress on all these fronts," Jackson said.