Abraham resignation letter says leaving for family reasons

Washington (Platts)--15Nov2004

The White House Monday confirmed the resignation of US Energy Secretary
Spencer Abraham, who in his letter dated Nov 14 to President George W. Bush,
cited family issues as his primary reason for his impending departure. Abraham
said he will stay in his post until his successor can be confirmed. "One of
the challenges of public life is properly balancing the demands of one's job
with the family and personal commitments one faces," Abraham, who has three
elementary school aged children, wrote. He noted that his past four years as
energy secretary has "posed significant challenges" on his family. "Looking
ahead, I have concluded that these challenges will be very difficult to
address consistent with the commitment called for in the Energy Secretary's
post," he wrote. "Accordingly, and with utmost respect, I have decided that it
will not be possible for me to continue to serve as Energy Secretary."

Abraham said he believed successes at the Department of Energy during his
tenure "clearly reflect the commitment" of Bush to the US' long-term energy
and national security. Abraham cited as accomplishments as secretary the
implementation of 90% of the Bush administration's comprehensive energy plan;
the launch of a hydrogen-vehicle program; the acceleration of cleanup of
former weapons sites; further progress on making the Yucca Mountain site, the
repository for nuclear waste; and acceleration of non-proliferation programs
with Russia. Abraham, however, was not able to push Bush's energy program
through Congress.

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