Dec. 13 (Bloomberg) -- President George W. Bush nominated Michael Leavitt, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to head the Department of Health and Human Services in the president's second term.

``He's managed the EPA with skill and with a focus on results,'' said Bush. `` He's an ideal choice to lead one of the largest departments of the United States government.''

If confirmed by the Senate, Leavitt would replace Tommy Thompson, the current secretary who announced his resignation Dec. 3. Leavitt, a former governor of Utah, took over the EPA in November of 2003, succeeding former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman, who resigned five months earlier.

The Department of Health and Human Services accounts for almost one fourth of all federal spending. It has a $548 billion budget, 66,639 workers, and oversees more than 300 federal programs or agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, Medicare, Medicaid health-insurance plans and medical research.

Leavitt said last month he expected to stay in the EPA post during Bush's second term and wasn't seeking another position in the administration. The EPA develops and enforces regulations that implement environmental laws enacted by Congress.

``I feel a real sense of understandable regret after having to leave the environmental protection agency,'' he said. ``The quality of health and health condition of people in this nation is a commitment that is shared among both agencies, as is the connection between science and health.''

Leavitt, 53, is a native of Utah and graduated from Southern Utah University. He and his wife, Jacalyn, have five children.

To contact the reporter on this story: Heidi Przybyla in Washington at rrunningen@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: December 13, 2004 10:47 EST