Bush backs off EPA posts

The White House withdrew two controversial nominees for top Environmental Protection Agency posts Wednesday. The head of the Office of Air and Radiation and the EPA inspector general have influential roles in crafting air quality rules and policing the agency's decisions. The outgoing inspector general has been a fierce critic of Bush administration's decisions, particularly when agency scientists have objected. It's still possible for Bush to make recess appointments - bypassing Senate approval while Congress is on a break - but in the meantime, environmental advocates are relieved.