SMU Engineering Professor named next Region VI EPA Administrator

Environmentalists are ecstatic

Vilas Bhuchar, Nov 06, 09.

Dr. Al Armendariz, an engineering professor at SMU, has been named the next Region VI EPA Administrator, according to a story in The Texas Observer.

The article notes that environmentalists and clean air advocates are ecstatic about the Obama administration’s decision and believe Armendariz’s appointment could lead to a major shift in Texas environmental policy.

Luke Metzer, Director of Environment Texas, is quoted in a statement released by various Texas environmental groups as saying, “We are thrilled with Dr. Armendariz’s appointment. After eight years of the Bush EPA, it’s a new day for Texas’ environment. Move over polluter lobbyists, science and human health are in charge now.”

According to Public Citizen Texas, Dr. Armendariz will enter his new position with a number of environmental challenges awaiting him, “including potentially overseeing the implementation of federal climate change legislation, bringing metropolitan areas in Texas into compliance with the Clean Air Act and working to clean up toxic ‘hot spots’ along the Gulf Coast.” The article also notes that Region VI of the EPA includes various states - Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

(Photo Credit: Extra Medium)