%         UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
      5                       WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
                                 AUG 1 3 1899
                                                                       THE ADMINISTRATOR
Dear Reader:

       I am pleased to share the enclosed report, Aiming for Excellence: Actions to Encourage
Stewardship and Accelerate Environmental Progress, as part of EPA's continued efforts to
improve environmental and public health protection. At EPA, we are proud of the significant
improvements we have made since 1995, when President Clinton and Vice President Gore first
announced a reinvention agenda to make environmental and public health programs more
efficient and effective. But we also know that more progress is needed. That is why, six
months ago, we brought together experts and stakeholders from inside and outside the Agency
to share their views on next steps to build on the progress we have already made. The outcome
is presented in this report.

       Specifically, the report describes 10 strategic actions the Agency will take in the next 12
to 18 months to motivate superior environmental performance and aid environmental
compliance where needed.  With firm goals in mind, we are now ready to begin the real work of
implementation. We are excited about this challenge, and the opportunity it creates to improve
the nation's environmental protection system.

       Thank you for your continued interest in our efforts.

                                        Sincerely,
                                        Carol M. Brown
           R«cycl«d/R«cycl«bl» •Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on 100% Recycled Paper (40% Postconsumer)

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