LEAVITT GOES TO EPA Gov. Mike Leavitt with President Bush in the Oval Office After a derailed Democratic filibuster and overwhelming approval by the Senate, Gov. Mike Leavitt was confirmed as head of the Environmental Protection Agency on November 6, 2003. Jumping in with both feet—in typical Leavitt style—he opted for an informal swearing-in by the EPA’s outgoing acting administrator the morning after he resigned as governor of Utah. In lieu of the traditional, lavish swearing-in ceremony, Leavitt and his family met privately in the Oval Office with President Bush, who nominated Leavitt for the position “because he is a trusted friend, a capable executive, and a man who understands the obligations of environmental stewardship.” Leavitt has also been a trusted friend of the Oquirrh Institute. As its founder, he has lent his passion to the focus of the Institute, with particular involvement in the environmental management and education initiatives. We’ll miss his enthusiasm and drive as he is now required to step away from Oquirrh, since the raising or governing of funds for other entities is strictly prohibited in his new federal position. Leavitt has a strong record of commitment to collaborative environmental management. He formerly served as vice-chair of the Grand Canyon Visibility Transport Commission and co-chair of the Western Regional Air Partnership and was instrumental in cleaning up the air over the Grand Canyon. As governor, he presided over the 2002 Winter Olympic Games—the most environmentally sensitive games ever. He was also a leader in developing Enlibra, an environmental philosophy that emphasizes consensus and collaboration over confrontation.