Alfredo Armendariz

WASHINGTON -- Alfredo Armendariz, a regional administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency, has resigned in the wake of criticism for comments made in Texas two years ago comparing the methods of the EPA to those of Romans using crucifixions to conquer foreign lands. “I have accepted Dr. Armendariz's resignation and respect the fact that he came to this difficult decision because he did not want to distract from our agency's critical work,” EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said in an internal memo Monday, obtained by the Washington Post.

WASHINGTON -- Alfredo Armendariz, a regional administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency, has resigned in the wake of criticism for comments made in Texas two years ago comparing the methods of the EPA to those of Romans using crucifixions to conquer foreign lands. “I have accepted Dr. Armendariz's resignation and respect the fact that he came to this difficult decision because he did not want to distract from our agency's critical work,” EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said in an internal memo Monday, obtained by the Washington Post.