Former EPA Watchdog Assumes Presidency of LEAF

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For Immediate Release

Former EPA Watchdog Assumes Presidency of LEAF

Robert J. Martin Takes Helm, Vows for Progress Through Consensus

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA, Sep. 30 -/E-Wire/-- The Legal Environmental Assistance Foundation (LEAF), a historical and preeminent legal force working to defend the environment,today announced the appointment of Robert J. Martin as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. He is replacing Suzi Ruhl, LEAF's founder and CEO for the past 23 years and nationally known for her leadership on environmental health issues.

As an internationally known environmental advocate and leader, Martin brings more than 20 years of experience safeguarding public health and the environment to LEAF. "Robert is exactly the right leader for LEAF" said Ruhl. "His extensive record for consensus solutions and pollution accountability complement the efforts that LEAF is making in defining itself as the primary resource for communities impacted by environmental injustice. His strong leadership experience in this field will help shape LEAF as we continue our growth and efforts."

Martin was the National Ombudsman for the United States Environmental Protection Agency for over nine years. As the Agency's notable watchdog, Martin was an advocate for citizens and their elected officials who believed the Agency had not done enough to help communities. Martin stood up for citizens in New York City, the environment and health of whom were threatened following the September 11 attacks and was instrumental in compelling the EPA to take cleanup actions in homes. During his tenure as National Ombudsman, Martin helped dozens of communities throughout the Nation to deal with the aftermath of toxic pollution through consensus solutions, such as Denver, Colorado and Pensacola and Tarpon Springs, Florida.

"I am honored to continue the great legacy which LEAF has established" stated Martin. I am passionate about the right to environmental justice for all American communities. Under my leadership, LEAF will continue to protect, advocate and when necessary, litigate to safeguard American communities and their life sustaining environments" added Martin. NEW LEADERSHIP FOR LEAF/2 Martin is an enrolled member of the Makah Indian Nation and a descendent of its traditional chief. Prior to his appointment at the EPA, Martin represented Indian tribes in Washington D.C. and was also the Chief Executive Officer of a Native American owned firm which focused on remediating environmental problems on tribal lands. During his entire professional career, Martin has worked very closely with Members of Congress and affected communities and industries to achieve consensus solutions to environmental problems. Martin is a recipient of numerous awards, including an EPA Superior Accomplishment Award, Beyond the Headlines Award, Eugene Crawford Peace Pipe Award and a Hammer Award for Reinventing Government. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Gordon College, Wenham, Massachusetts and a J.D. from the George Washington University National Law Center in Washington D.C. Founded in 1979, LEAF is a charitable, public interest environmental law firm dedicated to protecting people's health from pollution and forcing accountability for the consequences of pollution. LEAF protects peoples health and environment by: Serving as a watchdog for federal and state regulatory activities and intervening when enforcement is lax; Preparing model laws and ordinances, and participating in Federal and State rulemakings; Forcing government and industries to comply with environmental laws and rules. For more information on LEAF, visit its Web site at www.leaflaw.org.

Photo available at www.leaflaw.org/press/images/martin.jpg

Legal Environmental Assistance Foundation (LEAF)

Cynthia Valencic, Legal Environmental Assistance

Foundation, (850) 681-2591, [REDACTED-EMAIL]

http://http://www.leaflaw.org

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