EPA Names Ben Scaggs Director of Gulf of Mexico Program
ATLANTA – April 3, 2012 — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named Ben Scaggs as the new Director of the Gulf of Mexico Program. In this role, Scaggs will lead efforts to protect, maintain, and restore the Gulf’s health and productivity. At the same time, the program supports the economic well-being of the entire region.
A Career in Public Service
Scaggs, a native of Mississippi, brings decades of public service experience to the post. He began his career on Capitol Hill, working with the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Later, he served as a legislative assistant to Congressman G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery of Mississippi’s 3rd District.
After earning a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Scaggs worked at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in Washington, DC. Eventually, he joined EPA in 1991. Since then, he has held various leadership roles, including Office Director at EPA’s Research Triangle Park campus in North Carolina. That facility is EPA’s largest presence outside of Washington.
Over 20 years at EPA, Scaggs contributed to the Office of Air and Radiation and acted as Enforcement Branch Chief in Region 4. His experience spans environmental policy, operations, and regulatory enforcement.
About the Gulf of Mexico Program
Launched in 1988, the Gulf of Mexico Program aims to preserve the Gulf’s rich and productive ecosystem. However, it does so while recognizing the importance of sustainable economic growth. EPA funds the program, which operates as a non-regulatory and inclusive consortium.
Partners include federal and state agencies, community leaders, scientists, farmers, fishers, and environmentalists from all five Gulf States. Through these partnerships, the program fosters collaborative action and local ownership.
Built on the principles of partnership, science, and citizen involvement, the program mirrors other major efforts like the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay initiatives. Together, these programs demonstrate how adaptive management works for large-scale coastal and marine systems.
A Vital Region with National Impact
“The Gulf of Mexico is a vast and productive body of water that is of tremendous value in ecological, economic, and social terms,” said Nancy Stoner, EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water. “We will look to Ben to help us continue in our efforts to ensure that the Gulf flourishes in all its natural richness and variety, while embracing the needs and desires of its people.”
Indeed, more than 60 percent of U.S. waters drain into the Gulf. Because of that, the area presents major opportunities and serious environmental challenges. The Gulf supports critical wetland habitats, world-class fisheries, and iconic beaches. It also supplies one-fourth of U.S. natural gas and one-eighth of its oil.
Looking Forward Under New Leadership
Gwen Keyes Fleming, EPA Region 4 Administrator, emphasized the importance of partnership. “The Gulf of Mexico Program reflects upon 20 years of collaboration and environmental accomplishments to the benefit of the Gulf communities,” she said.
“Under Ben’s leadership, I expect that spirit of collaboration to continue,” she added. “We must meet the challenges of a thriving Gulf Coast economy, balanced with our mission of protecting human health and the environment.”
Strong Leadership and Collaboration
With so many diverse partners working together to enhance the area, EPA Region 6 Administrator Al Armendariz echoed the importance of strong leadership, collaboration, and productive relationships in creating a healthy and resilient Gulf.
“America’s renewed interest in protecting the Gulf in the aftermath of the Deep Water Horizon incident reminds us of the importance of the Gulf of Mexico Program and its past and future work. Ben has close ties to the Gulf Region including family on the Mississippi Gulf Coast as well as in Texas and Florida. I am confident Ben’s passion and leadership skills will prove invaluable in the success of the Program,” said Armendariz.
Scaggs will assume his new duties on April 23, 2012.
Source: US Environmental Protection Agency
(ATLANTA – April 3, 2012)
