Former EPA Watchdog Assumes Presidency of LEAF
Robert J. Martin Takes Helm, Vows for Progress Through Consensus

TALLAHASSEE, FL, Sep. 30 -/E-Wire/-- The Legal Environmental Assistance
Foundation (LEAF), a historical and preeminent legal force working to defend
the environment,today announced the appointment of Robert J. Martin as its
new President and Chief Executive Officer.  He is replacing Suzi Ruhl,
LEAF's founder and CEO for the past 23 years and nationally known for her
leadership on environmental health issues.

As an internationally known environmental advocate and leader, Martin
brings more than 20 years of experience safeguarding public health and the
environment to LEAF.  "Robert is exactly the right leader for LEAF" said
Ruhl.  "His extensive record for consensus solutions and pollution
accountability complement the efforts that LEAF is making in defining
itself as the primary resource for communities impacted by environmental
injustice.  His strong leadership experience in this field will help shape
LEAF as we continue our growth and efforts."

Martin was the National Ombudsman for the United States Environmental
Protection Agency for over nine years. As the Agency's notable watchdog,
Martin was an advocate for citizens and their elected officials who
believed the Agency had not done enough to help communities.  Martin stood
up for citizens in New York City, the environment and health of whom were
threatened following the September 11 attacks and was instrumental in
compelling the EPA to take cleanup actions in homes.  During his tenure as
National Ombudsman, Martin helped dozens of communities throughout the
Nation to deal with the aftermath of toxic pollution through consensus
solutions, such as Denver, Colorado and Pensacola and Tarpon Springs,
Florida.

"I am honored to continue the great legacy which LEAF has established"
stated Martin.  I am passionate about the right to environmental justice
for all American communities.  Under my leadership, LEAF will continue to
protect, advocate and when necessary, litigate to safeguard American
communities and their life sustaining environments" added Martin.

Martin is an enrolled member of the Makah Indian Nation and a
descendent of its traditional chief.  Prior to his appointment at the EPA,
Martin represented Indian tribes in Washington D.C. and was also the Chief
Executive Officer of a Native American owned firm which focused on
remediating environmental problems on tribal lands.  During his entire
professional career, Martin has worked very closely with Members of
Congress and affected communities and industries to achieve consensus
solutions to environmental problems. Martin is a recipient of numerous
awards, including an EPA Superior Accomplishment Award, Beyond the
Headlines Award, Eugene Crawford Peace Pipe Award and a Hammer Award for
Reinventing Government.  He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Gordon
College, Wenham, Massachusetts and a J.D. from the George Washington
University National Law Center in Washington D.C.

Founded in 1979, LEAF is a charitable, public interest environmental law
firm dedicated to protecting people's health from pollution and forcing
accountability for the consequences of pollution.  LEAF protects peoples
health and environment by:  Serving as a watchdog for federal and state
regulatory activities and intervening when enforcement is lax; Preparing
model laws and ordinances, and participating in Federal and State
rulemakings; Forcing government and industries to comply with environmental
laws and rules.  For more information on LEAF, visit its Web site at
http://www.leaflaw.org .

   SOURCE:   Legal Environmental Assistance Foundation (LEAF)
   DATE:     09/30/2002
   CONTACT:  Cynthia Valencic
             Legal Environmental Assistance Foundation
             (850) 681-2591, cvalencic@leaflaw.org
   WEB SITE: http://www.leaflaw.org