News Releases from Headquarters›Office of the Administrator (AO)
EPA Announces Appointment of Anne Idsal to Region 6 Administrator
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt announced the appointment of Anne Idsal to become regional administrator for Region 6. Ms. Idsal joins the Agency having spent her career working for the Texas state government in helping shape environmental and land policy for the state.
Since 2015, Anne Idsal has served as chief clerk and deputy land commissioner for the Texas General Land Office (GLO) where she oversees all budget and expenditure matters, and initiated the Office’s reorganization efforts to optimize business functions and provide cost-savings for taxpayers. She previously served as the general counsel to GLO where she provided substantive and procedural legal counsel to the Commissioner and led an office of attorneys on issues relating to oil and gas, coastal lands, public lands, financial transactions, and general law.
Prior to joining the Texas General Land Office, Anne served as General Counsel to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), where she provided legal counsel to the Commissioners and oversaw the offices of the Chief Clerk, Public Interest Counsel, and Chief Auditor. She also served as a special advisor to the commissioner, providing counsel on policy development and implementation.
“Anne is an accomplished lawyer and civil servant who will make an immediate impact in providing positive environmental and health outcomes as a regional administrator,” said Administrator Pruitt. “She has spent her career working to shape environmental and land policy for the Lone Star State, and her experience in the region makes her exceptionally qualified to provide administrative leadership for Region 6.”
Her nomination is receiving high accolades from across the region:
U.S. Senator John Cornyn: "Anne’s skilled leadership at both the Texas General Land Office and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality make her exceptionally-qualified to serve as EPA Regional Administrator for Region 6. I have no doubt she will continue to serve the public well in this role, and I am proud to have given her my highest recommendation."
Texas Governor Greg Abbott: "I congratulate Anne Idsal on her appointment as Region 6 Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency. Anne has been a tremendous asset for the people of Texas in her current role at the General Land Office, and she will continue to be invaluable to Texas in her new role at the EPA. I thank Anne for her service to the State of Texas, especially for her dedication to her fellow Texans following Hurricane Harvey, and look forward to her continued success at the EPA."
Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush: “I applaud President Trump for his appointment of Anne to the position of EPA Regional Administrator. Anne has served as the Chief Clerk of the Texas General Land Office with distinction and has extensive experience that will greatly benefit the Trump Administration in achieving his priorities at the EPA.”
Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Chuck Carr Brown: "Louisiana is excited to welcome Administrator Idsal. On a personal level, I look forward to developing a strong working relationship with her to address issues that impact Louisiana and the Region 6 states. In the past, mutual cooperation with our federal partners has been critical to meeting our environmental goals and commitments. I am confident that rapport will continue under Administrator Idsal."
Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality Director Becky Keogh: "The appointment of Anne Idsal is excellent news for the states of Region 6. Anne is a proven leader with a track record of commitment to the rule of law and cooperative federalism. We are confident that she will ensure our voices as state regulators will never be muted and instead will be amplified. The news of Anne’s selection signals a return to state-lead environmental policy making---a harbinger if ever there was one."
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Chairman Bryan Shaw: "With Anne as Region 6 Regional Administrator, I know that the cooperative relationship between the states and the EPA will continue to improve. She is smart, motivated, and knows how to get things done. To this point Anne has dedicated her professional career to state service, and I know that her regulatory experience will serve her well in this new role. I wholeheartedly support Anne for Regional Administrator, and I look forward to continuing to work with her and Region 6."
Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment Michael Teague: "We are really pleased that the new regional administrator has such great state experience and we look forward to continuing the strong cooperation with Region 6."
New Mexico Environment Department Secretary Butch Tongate: "The New Mexico Environment Department congratulates Anne Idsal on her appointment and we look forward to continuing the excellent working relationship we have with EPA Region 6."
Texas Farm Bureau Director of Government Relations Regan Beck: "Texas Farm Bureau applauds the selection of Anne Idsal as the new EPA Region 6 Regional Administrator. We have worked with Mrs. Idsal on a number of occasions regarding complex environmental and natural resources related issues. She has always displayed a great understanding of these issues and will undoubtedly work objectively to find the best solutions for Texas and the Region."
Texas Wildlife Association CEO David Yates: "Anne Idsal brings a breadth of knowledge and experience in both public policy making and implementation. Her track record of pragmatic problem solving with innovative solutions will be a true asset to EPA Region 6. Given her South Texas ranching roots, we believe she is a terrific fit for achieving effective natural resource protection and stewardship in the heavily privately owned landscape of Region 6. Texas Wildlife Association is pleased that Ms. Idsal is joining the EPA leadership team and we are confident she will do an exceptional job."