An official website of the United States government.

News Releases from HeadquartersOffice of the Administrator (AO)

EPA Announces Appointment of Pete Lopez to Region 2 Administrator

09/28/2017
Contact Information: 
EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)

WASHINGTON (September 28, 2017) –Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt announced the appointment of Pete Lopez of New York to become Regional Administrator for Region 2.  Mr. Lopez will oversee environmental protection efforts in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Pete Lopez has served as a member of the New York State Assembly since 2007 representing a seven county region including Mid-Hudson, Northern Catskills, Southern Tier, and Capital District. Mr. Lopez is currently a member on the New York Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation and a member of the Task Force on Food, Farm and Nutrition Policy where he has worked to provide proper oversight of New York’s health and environment.  While serving as a state legislator, Mr. Lopez has worked tirelessly to collaborate in developing and passing the state budget and promoting growth and opportunity for New Yorkers.

“Pete Lopez has spent nearly a decade in one of the country’s largest state legislatures working to improve the quality of life of his constituents,” said Administrator Pruitt. “His familiarity with the region and his experience working to solve environmental problems in New York will be invaluable in helping EPA serve Americans in the Northeast and the Caribbean.”

His nomination is receiving high accolades from across the region:

Ladan Alomar, Executive Director of Centro Civico: “Pete Lopez, for more than two decades, has made substantial contributions to improving lives of families in our region; we applaud him for his unconditional commitment to communities that he serves and congratulate him for his appointment to become EPA Regional Administrator.”

John Bartow, Executive Director of the Empire State Forest Products Association: “Pete Lopez has been a strong supporter of New York's forests and the forest products industry for several decades.  He brings a broad understanding of the importance of sustainably managing natural resources while also meeting the needs of communities and local economies based on those resources.  Pete will be a great asset to EPA and its responsibilities in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.”

Peter A. Baynes, Executive Director of the New York State Conference of Mayors: "In his time as a local official and then as a State Assemblyman, Pete Lopez has been widely recognized as a true public servant: hard-working, responsive, and a problem solver.    NYCOM is pleased to know that Pete will now have the opportunity to demonstrate that same dedication in his new capacity with the EPA, working collaboratively with city and village officials to protect the environment and enhance the quality-of-life in our communities."

Heather C. Briccetti, Esq., president and CEO of The Business Council of New York State, Inc. “The Business Council of New York State congratulates Peter D. "Pete" Lopez  for his appointment as the Region 2 Administrator for the EPA. The members of the business community have long respected Pete for his willingness to fight for what he believes is in the best interest of all New Yorkers.  We know he will continue to do what is right for the people and the environment in his new role. As the Region 2 Administrator,  Pete will oversee environmental protection efforts with a measured and rational approach and we look forward to working together."

Mike Elmendorf, President & CEO of the Associated General Contractors of New York State: “We congratulate Administrator Pruitt on his appointment of Assemblyman Pete Lopez as EPA Regional Administrator for Region 2.   Pete Lopez is a proven leader and public servant, and we are confident that he will effectively balance responsible stewardship of our environmental resources with economic development, timely decision making and the need for streamlining our regulatory and permitting processes.  We look forward to working with Assemblyman Lopez in his new role.”

Gavin Donohue, President and CEO of the Independent Power Producers of New York: “In Pete’s time with the Assembly, he took a balanced approach to energy and environmental policy. In the days after Hurricane Sandy, he had a pulse for what his local community needed and made sure those needs were met responsibly from an environmental standpoint. He will be a credit to the EPA, and independent power producers look forward to working with him.”

David Fisher, New York Farm Bureau President: “New York Farm Bureau has had a long, positive working relationship with Pete Lopez. He understands the needs of the agricultural community and the important role farmers play in environmental stewardship. We look forward to working with him in his new position as Regional EPA Director. Together, we can successfully safeguard our natural resources while balancing the economic and regulatory challenges that farmers face.”

Gerry Geist, Executive Director of Association of Towns of the State of New York: “As a former town supervisor and dedicated public servant, Assemblyman Pete Lopez has consistently found a way to help people by tackling difficult issues and looking for innovative solutions. We look forward to working with Mr. Lopez in his new role as EPA Region II Administrator to help town officials fund and maintain local water, wastewater and storm water infrastructure.”    

Bob Martin, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner: “Congratulations to New York Assemblyman Pete Lopez on being named EPA Region 2 Regional Administrator. Assemblyman Lopez has an impressive background in public service and I congratulate Administrator Pruitt on naming someone with the Assemblyman’s record of accomplishment and leadership to this important post. I have had the chance to talk with Assemblyman Lopez and found that he has a strong commitment to protecting the environment, and especially, to working closely with the states and territories within his region. I am looking forward to working with him and the staff of dedicated professionals in EPA Region 2 as we continue to pursue our shared mission of protecting New Jersey’s environment.”

Anne Reynolds, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York: “We congratulate Assemblyman Pete Lopez on this important U.S. EPA appointment. New York has a long-standing and bipartisan tradition of environmental and clean energy leadership, and as a New Yorker, Assemblyman Lopez has experienced first-hand the impacts of severe storms and climate change. We look forward to working with Mr. Lopez as he continues this tradition, uses his well-respected skills at facilitation and problem-solving, and works to protects the air, water, and land of EPA Region 2.”