The newly named regional administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is Scott Mason, a former Deputy Secretary of Energy for Oklahoma. In the position, he’ll be in charge of EPA programs in Oklahoma and four other states as well as 66 Tribal Nations.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that President Donald J. Trump has appointed Scott Mason IV to serve as the 14th regional administrator of the EPA’s South Central Region, also known as Region 6. Mason will lead the implementation of President Trump’s environmental agenda in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas and with 66 Tribal Nations.
“We are putting together a high-caliber team at the EPA comprised of experienced individuals committed to our core mission. I am excited to welcome back Scott Mason to the EPA, this time to serve as our Region 6 Administrator,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
“Scott brings with him over twenty years of government experience at all levels, as well as having served as EPA’s director of the American Indian Environmental Office. He is the right person we need leading Region 6. Scott has the knowledge, talent, and dedication needed to succeed, and I am ready to get to work with him.”
His appointment even drew support from an industry that has been at odds with the EPA. Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma President Brook A. Simmons said Mason’s leadership will be crucial in ensuring that all sectors of the region’s oil and natural gas industry can continue to operate responsibly and with regulatory certainty
“As a former Oklahoma Deputy Secretary of Energy, he understands the vital role oil and natural gas plays in our modern world. He understands that energy security is national security.”
“It’s a tremendous honor to be appointed by President Trump to be EPA Region 6 Administrator under the leadership of Administrator Zeldin,” said Mason. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and 66 Tribal Nations who are looking to EPA to fulfill our mission to protect human health and the environment while fostering economic growth. As someone with deep roots in this region, I am committed to working hard each and every day to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve by implementing the President’s agenda and the Administrator’s ‘Powering the Great American Comeback’ Initiative.”
This is Mason’s second appointment to EPA, having served as the Director of EPA’s American Indian Environmental Office during President Trump’s first administration. He and his staff were charged with the protection of human health and the environment in Indian country, which includes all 574 federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native Villages. Additionally, he was a member of The White House Council on Native American Affairs, where he served as co-chair of the Council’s Committee on Infrastructure.
Most recently, Mason was the Deputy Secretary of Energy of Oklahoma. He has served at the local, state and federal levels of government in various capacities, including as a vice president and the executive director of federal programs at The University of Oklahoma (OU) and on the staff of Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin.
The former Governor was among those who praised the selection and said Mason will be a “tremendous to the Trump Administration in achieving its priorities at the EPA.”
“It is vital to have leaders at EPA who understand the importance of working hand in hand with the states to address environmental and energy issues,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “Scott Mason served as my Deputy Secretary of Energy, and I am confident that he will ensure the states’ voices will be heard as the EPA Administrator for Region 6.”
A long list of Oklahoma officials joined in congratulating Mason on his appointment.
“As President Trump begins the work of dismantling the overly burdensome environmental regulations of the previous Administration while still protecting our air, land, and water, he’ll have a strong and dedicated partner in Scott Mason,” said U.S. Senator James Lankford (OK).
“Congratulations to Scott Mason, the new EPA Administrator for Region 6,” said U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin. “I thank Scott for his continued service to our nation and wish him all the best in his new role.”
Rep. Frank Lucas said Mason has been a colleague of his for more than 30 years.
“With years of experience serving as the Director of the American Indian Environmental Office within the EPA and as the former Deputy Secretary of Energy for Oklahoma, I am confident that Scott’s extensive experience will serve him well in this new role.”
Rep. Tom Cole joined in the congratulations as well.
“I have no doubt Scott will prove to be just as successful in his new position, and I look forward to seeing all the good things Scott brings to EPA Region 6.”
Rep. Kevin Hern called Mason an outstanding choice to lead EPA Regoin 6.
“As a proud Oklahoman, he understands the need for smart environmental policies that don’t come at the cost of economic growth. Less red tape means more innovation, stronger businesses, and a thriving economy.”
Praise also came from Rep. Stephanie Bice.
“ His leadership and extensive expertise in energy and environmental matters have prepared him well. I look forward to working with him.”
From Congressman Josh Brecheen—“I look forward to Scott Mason bringing his state and federal experience to restore common sense and highlight the negative effects that excessive EPA regulations have on our communities in Oklahoma.”
Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment Jeff Starling called it “great” to have an Oklahoman at the helm of the regional office.
“Scott’s extensive experience in public service and expertise in environmental and energy issues make him an excellent choice to lead the EPA Region 6 office.”
Howard L. (Bud) Ground, President, Environmental Federation of Oklahoma agreed, Mason was a good choice.
“Scott has always been quick to offer his assistance on various energy and environmental issues and dealt with these issues in a fair and thoughtful manner.”