Kathleen Hartnett White will not reapply for a second term as chairwoman and commissioner of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, commission spokesman Andy Saenz confirmed Wednesday.
Though there was no formal announcement, Saenz said the decision was made months ago after White consulted with family members.
White, appointed to the commissioner position by Gov. Rick Perry in October 2001, will step down Aug. 31, almost fulfilling the six-year term. White is one of three commissioners appointed by the governor and was named the chairwoman.
"She is very proud of her record with the agency," Saenz said. "She's worked closely to improve air quality, especially in the Dallas-Fort Worth region."
Yesterday, environmental groups called on Perry to deny White's reappointment, claiming White has not been responsive to state environmental issues and has not met these tough challenges.
"These environmental groups are not making new claims," Saenz said. "It's what they do for a living, and White knows she can't please everyone."
In a written statement, Tom Smith, director of Public Citizen's Texas office, said White's announcement she would leave her post was a victory for the environmental community.
Smith's statement said TCEQ must focus on finding the best person for what will be a very challenging job. The state drastically needs to reduce air pollution in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston areas, it said.
Saenz said White passed tough new rules for vehicle operators, power plants, cement kiln operators and large and small businesses in Dallas, and the laws have worked.
The governor's office has received several applications from individuals seeking the commissioner's position, said Krista Moody, a spokeswoman for Gov. Perry.
"The governor would rather get it right than do it fast," she said.
Moody said a person who serves on the TCEQ board should have a strong knowledge on environmental issues and Texas' needs. The two other commissioners on the board are not out of the running for chairman.
"The governor takes a look at all applicants and a background in environmental issues definitely helps," Moody said.
White has not announced what she will do after resigning, but she is an active farmer and rancher in West Texas. Saenz said there are several possibilities for her future.
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