Arrival at EPA

Q: How did you arrive at EPA?

MR. ALM: After the election in 1972, the job as Assistant Administrator for Planning and Management at EPA came open. At the time, I was the staff director for the Council on Environmental Quality. Bill Ruckelshaus and I talked about it, and he indicated that I would be his choice for the job. Ultimately, I was nominated to be the Assistant Administrator for Planning and Management. This was in 1973, just about twenty years ago.

Q: Do you think Russell Train had anything to do with your EPA appointment? Did he recognize you as a talent, and recommend you to Bill Ruckelshaus, or...?

MR. ALM: No. At that point in time, he actually wanted me to stay at CEQ. It is kind of ironic that I went over, and then, through a series of events, Bill wound up as the head of the FBI, and then deputy attorney general. Russell Train then became EPA Administrator. I like to think that I brought some good people over to EPA. (laughter)

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Arrival at EPA

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