Bush names Monsanto executive for senior EPA job REUTERS NEWS SERVICE May 2, 2001 WASHINGTON - An executive with Monsanto Co , a leading developer of biotech foods, has been nominated for the second-ranking job at the Environmental Protection Agency, the White House said yesterday. Linda Fisher, who worked for the EPA for 10 years before heading Monsanto's Washington lobbying office, was nominated for the post of deputy administrator. Fisher also served on a U.S. Agriculture Department advisory committee on biotech foods. One of the major issues currently before the EPA is a request from Aventis SA to approve a genetically-modified corn known as StarLink for human consumption. StarLink, a variety altered to repel pests, was barred from human food in 1998 due to concerns that it might trigger allergic reactions in some people. The discovery of StarLink contamination in taco shells last autumn prompted a massive recall of more than 300 kinds of snack chips, corn flour and other foods. Aventis contends the corn is safe and poses no risk to people who eat it. The EPA, which regulates plants altered to produce their own pesticides, is also considering whether to renew the registration of Bt corn, cotton and potato varieties that were approved six years ago. The registrations are set to expire in September. The White House also nominated two others for key posts at the EPA. Stephen Johnson, who is currently acting assistant administrator, was nominated to be assistant administrator for pesticides. Jeffrey Holmstead, a White House adviser during the first Bush presidency, was nominated to be assistant administrator for air and radiation. In addition to the EPA, the Bush administration nominated James Connaughton to head the Council of Environmental Quality. Connaughton, an environmental lawyer, has been a lead negotiator during the past seven years on a U.S. advisory group to the International Standards Organization on environmental standards. The U.S. Senate must confirm all presidential nominees.