Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson, who was at the helm of the agency for its first-every greenhouse gas/fuel efficiency regulations for commercial trucks, is stepping down.


"I want to thank President Obama for the honor he bestowed on me and the confidence he placed in me four years ago this month when he announced my nomination," she said in a statement announcing she will step down following the President's State of the Union speech next month.

At the time of her nomination, she noted that she spoke about the need to address climate change, but also said: "There is much more on the agenda: air pollution, toxic chemicals and childrens health issues, redevelopment and waste-site cleanup issues, and justice for the communities who bear disproportionate risk."

In Thursday's statement, referring to the President's commitment to the environment, she said, "I will leave the EPA confident the ship is sailing in the right direction, and ready in my own life for new challenges, time with my family and new opportunities to make a difference."