President Trump this week Josh Cook appointed As an administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency of the California Department of Environmental Protection and the Southwest Pacific, he became one of the most outstanding new climate officials in Golden State.
Josh FW Cook has been appointed as the new administrator for the California Department of Environmental Protection and the Southwest Pacific Department of Environmental Protection.
(US Environmental Protection Agency – Southwest Pacific)
Cook, who lives in Chico, will be responsible for implementing and enforcing federal environmental laws in District 9, which include California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Pacific Islands and 148 tribal countries. His appointment is due to the country and region’s response to serious climate problems such as extreme heat, devastating wildfires and Water crisis on the Colorado River.
“Josh Cook is the right person to lead the 9th District,” Trump EPA chief Lee Zeldin said in a statement. “He understands the unique nature of the Southwest Pacific and will be a key member of the EPA team. Josh’s talent with state and local partners will be crucial to power our region’s great American comeback across our region.”
But Cook’s appointment is also because Zeldin and Trump downplayed the urgency of climate change and provided allowances for industries that rely on flying fossil fuels. Zeldin recently announced plans Abolish or weaken More than 20 environmental regulations touted by Trump touted to manage air and water quality and other environmental issues rising The country produces polluted coal and oil.
To cope with the interview’s request, Cook’s team said he wasn’t available immediately. He said in a written statement that he was “honestly responsible for the meaningful tasks of President Trump and President Selding.”
“While focusing on the core competitiveness of clean water, land and air, EPA District 9 will lead the way to reduce energy costs, create wealth, and consolidate the U.S. as a leader in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, AI technology and transportation,” Cook said.
After various roles in government and politics, Cook participated in the EPA, including serving as Chief of Staff on a few caucus in the California Legislature and serving in advisory positions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior. According to his LinkedIn profile, he has been an advisor to the Tribal Council of Mooretown Rancheria, a native of Costow Maidu, for 26 years.
Tribal Chairman Benjamin Clark Jr. “We believe that Josh strives to return the Indigenous people to work on local lands and always provides the incredible nature of wealth for Indigenous people as we lead.”
Cook served as Chief of Staff for former California Senator and Governor candidate Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) for 10 years.
Dahle arrived by phone, Cook Oroville Dam Spillway Crisis 2017 and Deadly camp fire During Cook’s tenure in 2018, it took place in Butte County.
“I think he’s going to be able to play this role,” Daller said. “It’s a big territory – I don’t know the problems I’m having in other states outside of California, but I do know that there are a lot of things happening in California.
Rep. Doug Lamalfa (R-Richvale) openly questioned the science behind artificial climate change and sponsored a bill against loose environmental restrictions, and he is one of Cook’s biggest champions. In particular, Lamalfa supported increased logging and forest management to reduce wildfire risks – helping him get a 0% rating From the environmental advocacy group protects voters.
Cook is partly credited to Lamalfa’s EPA appointment. “Thanks to Rep. Doug Lamalfa for weighing me and already working to make a real change as soon as possible,” Cook wrote in a Facebook post.
“I have worked with Josh Cook for thirty years, an outstanding leader, and I look forward to systematically implementing long-term overdue regulatory reforms in Western countries in the work of EPA administrator Zeldin,” Lamarfa said in a statement.
Environmental groups largely say that given Cook’s limited record, they have no sense of his position on the core issues.
But Melissa Romero, director of policy advocacy for environmental voters in California, worked with Cook several times during the legislature and described him as “a core protectionist at its core” [who] Care about the natural landscape of the state. ”
“While we may not always agree with policy, he always listens, he is always willing to communicate and brainstorm solutions with people,” Romero said.
Recently, Cook worked as the city administrator for Biggs, the town has 1,700 residents in Butte County. In January, he was fired for breach of contract, as local news websites first reported Action News Now. Records reviewed by The Times show that Cook has made it Whistleblower complaint The allegations of ransomware, campaign spending violations and retaliation against City Council members, and other issues, were later considered unproven by city retired investigators.
Cook replaced Martha Guzman, former EPA No. 9 district administrator, who was appointed by President Biden.
His other ex, Mike Stoker, was appointed during the first Trump administration but was suddenly fired in 2020. At that time, Stoke said it was because he was Too friendly with Democrats.
