A new administrator has been appointed to oversee the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency region that includes Louisiana.
Ken McQueen of New Mexico will replace Anne Idsal, who is now the agency’s acting assistant administrator for air and radiation.
McQueen was New Mexico’s Cabinet secretary for the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department from 2016-18, according to an EPA announcement. Prior to that, he managed the assets of Williams/WPX Energy in New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming from 2002 to 2016. During this time he also served as an adjunct professor in petroleum engineering at The University of Tulsa. He also served as a joint venture engineer for Vintage Petroleum Inc. from 1994 to 2002, where he managed all nonoperated properties across 12 states and multiple basins. From 1982 to 1994, he was a petroleum engineer at Amerada Hess Corp.
In a news release, Louisiana DEQ Secretary Chuck Carr Brown said he looks forward to working with McQueen. “I know his experience and knowledge will serve him well as he deals with the many challenges ahead,” Carr said.
Region 6 encompasses Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. The regional offices work with states on regulation changes, inspections and enforcement actions.
