Attorneys' offices in prosecuting environmental crimes. Mr. Sopkin will join the agency having worked for the last 12 years on energy, environment, and telecommunications matters. He most recently worked at Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP. DENVER (May 1, 2019) -- Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced the appointment of Gregory Sopkin of Colorado to become regional administrator for Region 8. "While progress has been made in the past several years there is a lot work left to be done across the State. "With Greg’s background in state government he understands the important role that states play in preserving and protecting the environment. ", "We welcome Mr. Sopkin to his important new role and look forward to building on our constructive partnership with EPA Region 8 to protect the health of Utah's people and beautiful environment," said Utah Department of Environmental Quality Alan Matheson. Director: Suzanne Bohan. Mr. Sopkin will oversee environmental protection efforts in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana. Gregory Sopkin, administrator of EPA’s Region 8 covering six Mountains and Plains states, is planning to leave the agency later this month, marking what appears to be the first major Trump administration environmental appointee to announce their departure since President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in … What We Do: The Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division (ECAD) is responsible for developing and implementing Region 8 enforcement and compliance assurance programs and statutes that EPA administers in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, and Region 8 tribes. LSASD leads environmental indicators-based planning and analyzes environmental data to better understand conditions and trends, and to prioritize and target regional, state and local programs. The Division coordinates with the Office of Air and Radiation to ensure national consistency and strives to meet legal deadlines imposed by the CAA. David McCumber, The Montana Standarfd. regulates underground storage tanks containing petroleum or hazardous substances. What We Do: The Laboratory Services and Applied Science Division (LSASD) is a diverse, multidisciplinary organization that emphasizes high quality science, field sampling, laboratory analysis, data interpretation, geospatial technology, and strategic planning, protection and restoration. "Greg brings a long and distinguished record of public service to this new responsibility, and I know he will serve our region well," said former Colorado Governor Bill Owens. The Environmental Protection Agency named a new administrator for Region 8, which covers Montana and includes the Butte and Anaconda Superfund sites, on Wednesday morning. The Division advises the Regional Administrator and Deputy Regional Administrator, senior leadership, and management on Regional and national policies involving strategic planning, technical, and resource management issues. Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Sopkin served as Chairman of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission from January 2003 to January 2007 where he was responsible for conducting quasi-judicial and quasi-legislative proceedings, drafting legal decisions, meeting with state legislators, and investigating service outages. Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem. "Because many environmental issues in Utah are tied to energy, his background as a practical problem-solver in this sector will be particularly valuable. Criminal enforcement counsel assist U.S. Having a Coloradan with a background steeped in law and government administration will be valuable as we take on important issues in the future. LSASD is home to the Region's quality assurance manager, who is responsible for the regional quality system and program offices' quality assurance programs. coordinates the discovery, assessment, remediation, and removal of, and assists with enforcement of abandoned hazardous waste sites; develops strategies to reuse Superfund sites, and. She has served in several positions in Region 8 including Deputy Regional Administrator for Region 8, Assistant Regional Administrator (ARA) for the Office of Technical and Management Services; Deputy ARA for the Office of Partnerships and Regulatory … "As a fellow former state utilities regulator, I am confident Greg will support policies and guidelines that meet the needs of North Dakota and the other states he oversees, rather than attempting to implement a one-size-fits all approach. News Release from EPA Headquarters 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. About EPA Home; EPA Administrator; EPA History; EPA Organization Chart; Greening EPA Facilities; Mailing Addresses and Phone Numbers; Staff Directory; Visiting Headquarters; Visiting a Regional Office; What We Do ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA-R08-OAR-2020-0002; FRL-10009-92-Region 8] Determination of Attainment by the Attainment Date for the Salt Lake City, Utah and Provo, Utah 2006 24-Hour PM 2.5 Nonattainment Areas AGENCY:. "EPA should start owning up to the facts piling up before them. They are constantly degrading the water quality, particularly in … ), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, today found the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lied about former Region 8 Administrator James Martin's use of a non-official email account to conduct official business. DENVER – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced President Barack Obama’s selection of James B. Martin to be the Agency’s Regional Administrator for EPA’s Region 8. WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced the appointment of Gregory Sopkin of Colorado to become regional administrator for Region 8. Often working with the Justice Department, EPA headquarters, and state environmental agency lawyers, the office assists in the enforcement of federal air, water, hazardous waste, toxics and pesticides laws throughout the Region. Deb Thomas Deb Thomas currently serves as the Acting Regional Administrator for EPA's Region 8 office located in Denver, Colorado. Recently, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced the appointment of Gregory Sopkin of Colorado to become regional administrator for Region 8. SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA… The EPA said Tuesday that Shaun McGrath will replace Region 8 administrator James Martin, who resigned in February. His responsibilities include overseeing the states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming, and 27 Tribal Nations. EPA Region 8 Administrator Gregory Sopkin signed the following notice on 8/8/2019, and EPA is submitting it for publication in the Federal Register (FR). U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La. By William Yeatman In mid-February, EPA Region 8 Administrator James Martin—who previously had served in the Ritter administration as the key facilitator of the Clean Air Clean Jobs Act—announced his resignation. About EPA. It seems that no bad deed goes unrewarded by the University of Colorado-Denver. What We Do: The Office of Regional Counsel (ORC) represents the Region in a wide variety of legal matters, including civil and administrative cases, regulatory and permit actions, government contracts, and employment matters. Doug Benevento serves as the Regional Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8. developing strategic planning for enforcement; engaging in compliance monitoring and compliance assistance activities; preparing and issuing administrative actions; measuring and reporting results of the Region’s enforcement efforts. He also served as Assistant Attorney General from September 1997 to August 2000 where he represented the Colorado Public Utilities Commission Staff electric, gas and telecommunications proceedings before the Commission, and the PUC in appeals to District Court, Colorado Supreme Court, and Federal Courts. An official website of the United States government. Greg is the type of person you would want in an EPA regional administrator, especially in a region that has so many major, ongoing projects, including in Montana.”. Greg Sopkin, the new Environmental Protection Agency Region 8 administrator, made his first visit to Butte and Anaconda Tuesday. Mr. Sopkin will oversee environmental protection efforts in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana. Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem. Under this statute and in accordance with implementing regulations and agency guidelines, the Division conducts activities to reduce emissions so that air pollution does not constitute a threat to public health, safety, well-being or the environment. What We Do: The Mission Support Division (MSD) provides leadership, support, communications, and direction to ensure efficient operations vital to EPA and Regional goals. This work includes using decision-support tools and GIS (geographic information system) mapping. “I look forward to working with Greg to advance the Agency’s mission and protect human health and the environment for our mountain west residents.”. Today EPA Associate Deputy Administrator Doug Benevento was joined by Governor Mark Gordon, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality Director Todd Parfitt, & EPA Region 8 Administrator … ACTION: Proposed rule. An official website of the United States government. Gregory Sopkin has spent much of his career working in public service and private legal practice in Colorado. While we have taken steps to ensure the accuracy of this Internet version of the proposed rule, it is not the official version of the proposed rule for purposes of compliance. Region 8 LEP Meetings Missouri River Drainage SubArea Planning Region 8 Resources and ontacts New EPA Administrator Tours Region 8 hemical Safety oard Husky Refinery, Superior WI lover Leaf ompany, Regulatory Updates — RMP — lean water F.A.R.M Fair Agricultural Report Methods AMEO Updates Welcome to the EPA Region 8 Preparedness Newsletter. SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a … “You have to start the list with abandoned mine drainage. “Greg’s experience in public service and familiarity with the western region make him a great fit to lead the Region 8 office,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. The announcement came as a surprise, as Martin’s tenure at EPA was unusually brief. About the Office of the Regional Administrator, About the Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division, About the Laboratory Services and Applied Science Division, About the Land, Chemicals and Redevelopment Division, About the Superfund and Emergency Management Division. He is unafraid to say when something that has long been done is no longer working, but he’s not out to start new projects just for his or anyone else’s ego. ", "Greg’s experience and background make him an excellent choice for EPA Region 8 Administrator," said Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality Director Todd Parfitt. Sopkin will oversee EPA's environmental protection operations in a six-state region that includes Colorado. ", "I appreciate Gregory Sopkin’s deep commitment to public service," said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. advisors for agriculture, tribal affairs, science, children's health, and environmental justice. “Greg’s experience in public service and familiarity with the western region make him a great fit to lead the Region 8 office,” EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said in … Martin’s departure came as … responds to emergency–including terrorism–situations that pose an immediate threat to human health and the environment. What We Do: The Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division (ECAD) is responsible for developing and implementing Region 8 enforcement and compliance assurance programs and statutes that EPA administers in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, and Region 8 tribes. Deb Thomas Deb Thomas currently serves as the Acting Regional Administrator for EPA's Region 8 office located in Denver, Colorado. She has served in several positions in Region 8 including Deputy Regional Administrator for Region 8, Assistant Regional Administrator (ARA) for the Office of Technical and Management Services; Deputy ARA for the Office of Partnerships and Regulatory … What We Do: The Air and Radiation Division (ARD) implements the programmatic aspects of the Clean Air Act (CAA) within the geographic boundaries of Region 8, except for inspections and enforcement, which are principally managed by the Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. protects the air from asbestos emissions; protects water and land from inefficient hazardous waste practices; conserves energy and natural resources through recycling and recovery; protects the public from pesticide misuse or contaminants; protects children from the hazards of lead-based paint and other environmental contaminants; supports the redevelopment of Brownfields; and. ECAD works closely with the other Region 8 divisions, Office of Regional Counsel (ORC), Criminal Investigations Division (CID), and Department of Justice (DOJ) to deliver a comprehensive enforcement and compliance assurance program that uses the entire spectrum of compliance assurance tools available to the Region. Posted in EPA Connect, Posted on January 15, 2014 | Tagged climate change, climate community showcase, epa, helena, montana, region 8, shaun mcgrath Seeing the Devastation First Hand There are many roles a Regional Administrator must play in the daily … "We look forward to his aggressive work to protect our water, air, and soil while engaging pragmatically with our affected industries. Doug Benevento, EPA’s Region 8 Administrator, said his number one priority for his region and the West was addressing abandoned mines. Doug Benevento, a former state regulator and power-sector attorney, has been named as EPA's Region 8 administrator overseeing operations in, Utah, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming, the agency announced Oct. 5. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I am thankful to Administrator Wheeler for appointing Greg, and I look forward to working with him on issues that affect our great state. Featured speaker: Doug Benevento, Regional Administrator for U.S. EPA Region 8. Through the Regional Science Liaison, LSASD coordinates with EPA's Office of Research and Development and other regions to focus agency resources and activities on the most important science and policy issues. "He is a charismatic leader, but with a reputation for studiousness. WD also encourages citizen involvement in developing and carrying out major estuary, local watershed and drinking-water protection plans. United States Environmental Protection Agency. "The protection of our land, air, and water depends on sound leadership at the EPA Region 8 office. Regional Administrator Shaun McGrath Environmental Protection Agency Region 8 1595 Wynkoop St. Denver, CO 80202-1129 Re: 60-Day Notice of Intent to Sue for Violation of the Clean Water Act Regarding EPA’s Failure to Act On Montana’s Numeric Nutrient Water Quality Standards Dear Administrator McCarthy and Regional Administrator McGrath, To carry out its mission, the Division works with other federal agencies, state and local agencies, tribal governments, the public, and the private sector. While I know that there is going to be a lot of demands on his time, I look forward to hosting him in Montana as soon as possible. The program includes: Leadership and organizational responsibilities, Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division, Laboratory Services and Applied Science Division, Land, Chemicals and Redevelopment Division, Superfund and Emergency Management Division, Phone: 303-312-6312 or, if calling from the Region 8 states, 800-227-8917, Public Affairs, Tribal Affairs, and National Environmental Policy Act Branches; and. The people of Montana appreciated his hands on approach to cleaning up legacy sites in Montana, and his personal touch and understanding of the significance of the EPA’s work on our land, water, air and people. The Division includes the Human Resources, Information Management, Infrastructure, Grants, Acquisition, and Interagency Agreements, Fiscal Management and Planning Branches. Doug’s initial position within EPA was as EPA Region 8 Administrator which includes Montana. United States Environmental Protection Agency. This week, the UCD School of Public Affairs announced that former EPA Region 8 Administrator James Martin will be one of the winners of its 14 th Annual Wirth Chair Sustainability Awards. Mr. Benevento will oversee environmental protection efforts in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana. U.S. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, Associate Deputy Administrator Doug Benevento, & Regional Administrator Greg Sopkin toured the Colorado Smelter Superfund site … Region 9 Administrator Jared Blumenfeld – a former employee of the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare – was the director of the San Francisco Department of the Environment before joining EPA. Senator Kevin Cramer. Mr. Sopkin will oversee environmental protection efforts in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana, and in 27 tribal nations. This region encompasses Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and 27 Tribal Nations. On Thursday, a news release announced that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt appointed Benevento to oversee Region 8, which consists of Colorado, Montana, North … We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. It’s a curious choice, in light of the fact that Mr. Martin resigned from his EPA position last February amidst scandal. HELENA – EPA’s newly appointed Region 8 Administrator, Gregory Sopkin, will present the Montana Department of Environmental Quality with its Food Recovery Challenge award in Great Falls June 12, recognizing the agency’s work to prevent food waste across Montana. EPA Region 8 administrator James Martin is resigning this week, according to a press release from Sen. David Vitter (R., La.). ACTION: Proposed rule. relying on water quality standards, pollution load allocations for streams; permits for stream discharges, public health standards, and required testing for drinking water safety; providing financial and technical assistance to states and localities. In USEPA REGION 8 1595 Wynkoop St. Mail Code: 8ARD-IO Denver, CO 80202-1129 ", “Greg has a rare combination of talents," said former Montana Public Service Commissioner Travis Kavulla. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The office also manages the Freedom of Information (FOIA) response process. Keith Guille, a spokesman for the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, declined to comment when asked about Barrasso's letter recommending Parfitt to be EPA Region 8 administrator. Tweet. 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