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EPA Appoints Doug Benevento As Region 8 Administrator

10/05/2017
Contact Information: 
EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt announced the appointment of Doug Benevento of Colorado to become regional administrator for Region 8.  Mr. Benevento will oversee environmental protection efforts in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana. 
 
Doug Benevento has spent much of his career working to help protect the environment. As executive director for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, he managed the state’s environmental and public health programs. He previously served as the Department’s director of environmental programs, where he managed the state’s air, water, waste, and consumer protection programs.  Since 2010, Mr. Benevento has been working on energy and environmental issues in the private sector at Xcel Energy.
 
“Doug Benevento’s personal connection to the Rocky Mountain state and experience working with environmental leaders across the region will greatly benefit the Agency’s mission in protecting the environment in Region 8,” said Administrator Pruitt.  
 
His nomination is receiving high accolades from across the region:
 
U.S. Senator Cory Gardner: “Doug Benevento is a great choice to serve as EPA Region 8 Administrator and has the requisite experience as the former Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. I look forward to working with Doug to make the communities whole in Southwest Colorado that were impacted by the EPA-born Gold King Mine spill, ensuring the expeditious cleanup of Colorado’s Superfund sites remain a top priority for the EPA, and protecting Colorado’s environment across all four corners of the state.”
 
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper: “Doug Benevento has an extensive background working on important environmental issues in the State of Colorado. He provided leadership at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment under former Governor Bill Owens and as a staffer to former Senator Wayne Allard. I look forward to working with Doug and the rest of EPA to improve the health of Coloradans and protect the natural resources we treasure as we live, work, and play in this beautiful state.”

U.S. Congressman Mike Coffman: “I first met Doug Benevento when he worked for Governor Bill Owens and I've been inspired by his dedication to his community and the State of Colorado ever since. I know that he will do an outstanding job for EPA.”

U.S. Congressman Scott Tipton: “I'm pleased with Doug Benevento's appointment as Region VIII EPA administrator. His record of service to the State of Colorado is distinguished, both as the former executive director of CDPHE and on the staff of Senator Wayne Allard. More importantly, he understands western issues and will bring that important perspective to the position, both in the Region and in Washington, D.C.; I applaud the appointment.”
 
U.S. Congressman Ken Buck: “I'm excited to see Doug Benevento appointed as EPA Region VIII administrator. Doug's experience and faithfulness to the law and Constitution will benefit EPA and the people he serves. I'm eager to work him to better steward Colorado's land and resources.” 

U.S. Congressman Doug Lamborn: “The Environmental Protection Agency will truly thrive under the leadership of Doug Benevento as Administrator of Region 8. I trust he will choose what's best for the environmental protection of the West, including my own home state of Colorado. It includes some of the most beautiful land in our nation and I look forward to working with Doug as we work to protect what we’ve been blessed with.”
 
Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman: “Doug Benevento was a valued colleague and leader at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. He brings to EPA’s Region 8 a public health perspective that is important to all Westerners who care about protecting natural resources and the environment.”
 
Former U.S. Senator Wayne Allard: “Doug Benevento is an excellent choice for Region VIII EPA Administrator. During my years in Congress I valued Doug's sound and thoughtful guidance on environmental issues. He was particularly helpful to me as we worked towards an early cleanup and closure of Rocky Flats. I was also impressed with his leadership at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment during the Owens Administration. I'm confident that in this role he will bring a broad base of knowledge and experience of western issues to EPA.”
 
Former Colorado Governor Bill Owens: “Administrator Pruitt made a sound choice in choosing Doug Benevento to lead EPA Region VIII. During my two terms as Governor he served my administration well at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. He provided effective leadership at a large organization while implementing the policy direction of my administration. More importantly, I've also known Doug as a friend for over 20 years; and EPA is also getting a fine person as well as an effective leader.”
 
Alan Matheson, Utah Department of Environmental Quality Executive Director: “I'm optimistic that Doug Benevento's experience will serve him well in building the collaborative state-EPA partnership needed to protect public health and the environment.  Having run Colorado's health and environment agency, Mr. Benevento appreciates the state interest in meeting environmental standards in ways that reflect local conditions, economies, and values. I'm also encouraged that his experience in industry has fostered a practical approach to ensuring environmental compliance.”
 
James Martin, former Region 8 Administrator: “Doug Benevento is a sound choice to lead EPA Region VIII. As a former regional administrator, I understand the challenges of the position and Doug is well suited to take on those challenges. Over the almost 20 years I've known Doug he's brought a thoughtful approach to environmental policy and regulation. This was evidenced during his tenure at CDPHE in the Owens administration. I'm confident he will provide strong and effective leadership at EPA.”