"A regional Environmental Protection Agency chief based in Dallas resigned on Monday, days after Republican lawmakers uncovered comments in which he compared his enforcement of energy companies with crucifixion."

"Al Armendariz, who was the chief of EPA's Region 6 office, which includes refinery-rich Texas, Louisiana and three other states, sent a letter of resignation to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson late on Sunday. She accepted it on Monday.

'I have come to the conclusion that my continued service will distract you and the agency from its important work,' Armendariz said in the letter.

He became a casualty in a war Republicans in Congress have waged against a raft of EPA rules on pollution from fossil fuel plants they say risk damaging the economy."

Timothy Gardner reports for Reuters April 30, 2012.
[2]
SEE ALSO:

"Al Armendariz, EPA Official, Resigns Over 'Crucify' Comment" (AP) [3]

"Resignation at EPA Is Cheered and Bemoaned" (Ft. Worth Star-Telegram) [4]

"E.P.A. Official in Texas Quits Over ‘Crucify’ Video" (New York Times) [5]

"Regional EPA Administrator Quits Over 'Crucify' Comment" (Houston Chronicle) [6]

"EPA: Embattled Appointee Resigns Over 'Crucify' Comment" (Greenwire) [7]