Mason appointed to lead EPA’s energy-rich Region 6 By EPN Staff Scott Mason IV, of Oklahoma and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, has been appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the 14th administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency’s South Central Region, also known as Region 6. Mason, a former state energy official and EPA staff member, and will administer EPA programming in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and 66 tribal nations. Why it matters In addition to widespread support from elected and appointed officials from states in Region 6, Mason’s appointment garnered praise from the Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma and the Texas Oil & Gas Association. “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. We look forward to working with him to advance policies that support domestic energy production, environmental stewardship, and economic growth,” said Brook A. Simmons, president of the Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma President. Texas Oil & Gas Association President Todd Staples said of the appointment, “Industry has consistently worked to lower emissions and has established a demonstrated commitment to maintaining high standards in air, land, and water quality. The nation and much of the world relies on the industries located in this region, and we look forward to working with Scott Mason to advancing environmental stewardship.” The bigger picture The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment by administering laws governing clear air, land, and water, by overseeing the cleanup of contaminated lands and toxic sites, and by encouraging environmental stewardship. Nearly half of the EPA budget supports grants to state, education, and nonprofit environmental programs. President Trump has asked EPA Administrator Lee Zeldinto to examine the 2009 finding known as the “endangerment finding” that asserts greenhouse gases threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations. If Zeldin can reject the finding, subject to court approval, the administration will more easily dismantle Biden climate regulations, a boon for oil and gas companies and communities in Region 6. Additional detail “As someone with deep roots in this region,” Mason said, “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.” During the first Trump Administration, Mason served as the director of the Environmental Protection Agency’s American Indian Environmental Office, which administers programs promoting human health and environment on Native American lands. He was also a member of The White House Council on Native American Affairs.
