New clues are emerging as to what we can expect Obama to build at the EPA

Expectations - or concerns depending upon your viewpoint - are rapidly growing over what type of environmental program Obama will have for us. Some fear that he will be pushing too many rule changes and be the type of regulator that will make policy first and then see what is possible. Others are emerging that think he will be too overwhelmed with other problems and the promises made or hinted at with the activist groups will fall by the wayside.

There are a few clues and reports that may provide some incite. According to the Associated Press, Obama had a meeting with former vice president Al Gore that lasted for over 2 hours on Dec 8. The reporter said that environmental issues were the topic of concern.

Mr. Gore is not expected to be asked to take the helm of the EPA and rumors are that he is not interested in that job. There are a number of names begin floated including Robert Kennedy Jr., Caroline Browner and Mary Nichols. These are all well-known people in the environmental industry.

One major news agency reported unconfirmed reports that Nancy Sutley would be named to the position to head the White House Council on Environmental Quality in the next few days. Sutley is currently the deputy mayor for energy and environment for Los Angeles. She also served on the California State Water Resources Control Board and was energy advisor to former Gov. Gray Davis. She knows the workings of the EPA as she also served as an EPA official for President Clinton and was special assistant to Browner when she served as EPA administrator.

So, I think we are getting a few clues as to what we can expect. My guess is that we will know who is nominated to be the EPA administrator within the next week and a half. I would also expect that our industry will experience a real resurgence of activity in environmental goals that will be established.