Lisa Jackson's EPA Legacy

A look at the former EPA chief's achievements.

Black and Green - Over the course of a four-year fight for cleaner air and water, hostile Republican lawmakers and industry frequently challenged Lisa Jackson, the first African-American to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Such criticisms didn't stop her crusade. When she resigned to pursue new challenges, President Obama praised her "unwavering commitment to the health of our families and our children." Here are some of Jackson's most notable achievements. — Joyce Jones (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Fuel Efficiency - Thanks to Jackson, the term "gas guzzler" may be a thing of the past. Under her leadership, the EPA successfully negotiated fuel-efficiency standards with automakers. The new standards mandate that 2025 model year cars and trucks have to have a fuel economy of 54.5 miles per gallon. They're also an incentive to develop electric vehicles.   (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
LEAVING: Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson - EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson announced on Dec. 27 that she is stepping down early next year, after four years marked by friction with industry, congressional lawmakers and at times even the White House. Possible replacement: EPA Deputy Administrator Robert Perciasepe. (Photo: Mike Theiler-Pool/Getty Images)The Environment - Climate change and energy will be key issues in 2014. Republicans, led by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, plan to go on the attack over what they've dubbed Obama's "war on coal."  (Photo: Patrik Stollarz/Getty Images)

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Black and Green - Over the course of a four-year fight for cleaner air and water, hostile Republican lawmakers and industry frequently challenged Lisa Jackson, the first African-American to head the Environmental Protection Agency. Such criticisms didn't stop her crusade. When she resigned to pursue new challenges, President Obama praised her "unwavering commitment to the health of our families and our children." Here are some of Jackson's most notable achievements. — Joyce Jones (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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