The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) announced that Ken McQueen has been appointed Regional Administrator of the Region 6 Office.
Region 6 is the EPA Regional Headquarters whose main office is in Dallas, Texas.
Mr. McQueen replaces Anne Idsal who was named Principal Deputy Administrator at EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.
Region 6 encompasses the following states:
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- 66 Tribal Nations
EPA states that Mr. McQueen has experience in public service and industry working in the South Central region of the United States addressing water, natural resource and energy issues. He recently worked as the state of New Mexico Cabinet Secretary for the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department.
The agency also states:
Prior to serving as New Mexico’s EMNRD Cabinet Secretary, Mr. McQueen worked as Vice President of Williams / WPX Energy from 2002 to 2016 where he managed the company’s assets in New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming. During this time he also served as an adjunct professor in petroleum engineering at The University of Tulsa. He also served as a joint venture engineer for Vintage Petroleum Inc. from 1994 to 2002 where he managed all non-operated properties across 12 states and multiple basins. Prior to that he worked as a petroleum engineer at Amerada Hess Corp. from 1982 to 1994.
Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment Secretary Becky Keogh is quoted as stating:
The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment congratulates Ken McQueen on his appointment, and we commend his efforts to streamline rules and regulations. . . We look forward to strong partnerships and cooperation to drive environmental improvements of local, regional, and national importance.
Note that Arkansas has been delegated basically every significant environmental program for purposes of implementation and enforcement. As a result, EPA Region 6 arguably has less impact on routine Arkansas matters than other states who have not received program delegation. Nevertheless, the Region does have some oversight authority on certain permits.
A copy of the news release can be downloaded here.
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