Danielle Jackson

Washington, D.C. -- Robert Martin, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ombudsman, responsible for handling complaints on solid waste and Superfund issues, filed suit yesterday to prevent the Bush administration from moving his office. Martin contends that the move would weaken his independence within the agency, but EPA Administrator Christie Whitman has said that the relocation would enhance Martin's credibility while conducting investigations by putting him within the inspector general's office, which is independent from the EPA.