New Leadership at EPA Region: Project 2025 Adviser Takes Charge in Texas and Beyond

Scott Mason IV has been appointed to lead the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 6, which includes Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and 66 Tribal Nations. This area is known for its oil and gas production as well as significant industrial pollution, particularly in regions like Cancer Alley along the Gulf Coast.

Mason has experience in Oklahoma politics and served as deputy secretary of energy in his home state. According to Jennah Durant, a spokesperson for Region 6, Mason is committed to ensuring that all Americans have access to clean air, land, and water. However, environmentalists are concerned about how his leadership might affect environmental justice initiatives in the area.

His appointment comes after Earthea Nance, the previous regional administrator, prioritized environmental justice and worked to highlight pollution issues in the region. Under her leadership, the EPA took steps to monitor emissions and support communities negatively impacted by pollution. Nance expressed gratitude for her staff’s dedication in a recent LinkedIn post, stating that her role had been a rewarding experience.

Scott Mason will oversee the implementation of EPA programs and manage state environmental agencies. There’s anxiety among staff regarding their future as rumors circulate about potential layoffs within the agency, particularly among those involved in environmental justice.

Mason’s professional background includes roles related to environmental concerns and policy. He has previous experience with the EPA, having headed the American Indian Environmental Office during the first Trump administration. Recently, he contributed to a strategy document known as Project 2025, which outlines a conservative approach to governance for the agency.

This document suggests significant changes, such as possibly eliminating the Office of Environmental Justice, which has raised alarm among environmental advocates. Critics like Matthew Tejada from the Natural Resources Defense Council warn that implementing Project 2025 could adversely impact environmental justice communities, especially in a region already burdened by pollution.

Region 6 is a focal point for oil and gas operations in the U.S., with communities of color historically suffering from related environmental issues. The Biden administration attempted to address these problems by investing in overburdened communities. However, under the new leadership, there’s concern that these initiatives may be dismantled.

Importantly, Mason will face expectations from both industry representatives and political figures to uphold certain beneficial programs, such as those aimed at plugging orphan oil wells. These initiatives have helped states like Oklahoma manage environmental hazards effectively. With many abandoned wells remaining, there’s a push for continued support to tackle these challenges.

As Mason takes on this critical role, the direction he chooses will significantly impact not only environmental policy but also the health and safety of many residents in the region.

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