WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama's adviser on "green jobs" will need a new job of his own.
The White House says Van Jones has resigned amid controversy over past inflammatory statements.
Jones was the administration's point man on environmentally friendly jobs with the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
Controversy arose after news reports of a derogatory comment Jones had made in the past about Republicans, and separately, of Jones' name appearing on a petition connected to the events surrounding the 9/11 terror attacks. That 2004 petition had asked for congressional hearings into whether high-level government officials had allowed the attacks to occur.
Jones issued an apology for his past statements. He also said he did not agree with the 9/11 petition, saying it did not reflect his views, "now or ever."
Despite his apologies, Republicans demanded Jones quit.
The resignation comes as Obama is working to regain his footing in the contentious health care debate.
