It's Bigger Than "Dire Wolves" and "De-Extinction"

 EPA Press Office:

EPA announces appointment of Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey as Regional Administrator for Mid-Atlantic

April 21, 2025

Contact Information

EPA Region 3 Press Office (R3Press@epa.gov)

 

PHILADELPHIA - Today, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that President Donald J. Trump appointed Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey as EPA’s Mid-Atlantic (Region 3) Regional Administrator. Regional Administrator Van Blarcom-Lackey will oversee the implementation of federal environmental laws and priorities of the administration’s agenda in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and of EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program. She is the first woman appointed to lead the EPA Mid-Atlantic Region in the agency's history.

“Amy's experience and dedication to both agriculture and the environment make her a tremendous asset to the agency and the Mid-Atlantic Region,” said Administrator Zeldin. “I am confident she is well equipped to carry out our mission and help deliver on our agenda to Power the Great American comeback.”

“My commitment to sustainability traces back to over 30 years ago, when I founded a county-wide environmental group focused on watershed management and agricultural best practices. I’m excited to harness my passion for the environment to facilitate progress and support the Great American Comeback under the leadership of Administrator Zeldin and President Trump,” said Regional Administrator Van Blarcom-Lackey.

Van Blarcom-Lackey has a distinguished history of service, having been appointed as the first Agricultural Ombudsman in the state of Pennsylvania where she served as a crucial link to agriculture communities, addressing conflicts related to agriculture, land use, and environmental planning. She brings more than a decade of experience as a lobbyist for both state and federal agricultural interests and over 20 years of experience in finance and business management.

A lifelong conservationist, Van Blarcom-Lackey was raised in rural Pennsylvania and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed on her family’s dairy farm. Her successful tenure managing her own family enterprises, along with her work in the financial industry, equipped her with a keen understanding of the intersection between business, environmental, and community needs.

Van Blarcom-Lackey resides in Philadelphia with her family.

 Here’s what people are saying about Amy’s presidential appointment

“We congratulate the EPA and Administrator Lee Zeldin on the selection of Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey to serve as the agency’s Region 3 Administrator. Amy is enormously qualified, bringing both extensive experience and a strong understanding of the region she will be overseeing,” said Representative Dan Meuser (PA-09). “Her commonsense approach, sharp cost-benefit skills, and first-hand knowledge of the Mid-Atlantic will ensure she is a productive and effective Regional Administrator. The region has many unique nuances, which Amy is not only well acquainted with, but also approaches with a deep commitment to the short- and long-term growth and integrity of our communities and industries.”

“I extend my congratulations to Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey on her appointment to serve as Region 3 Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Amy is a constituent of my Senate District from Bradford County, and I am proud to see that she has been appointed to this very important position,” said Pennsylvania State Senator Gene Yaw (R-23). “Amy comes from a farming family who I have known and worked with for more than a decade. Her background and experience in agriculture and conservation will serve her well in addressing water quality, flood control, the Chesapeake Bay and the myriad of other environmental issues impacting our region. I look forward to working with Amy in this new position.”

“Amy‘s commitment to balance protecting the environment and common sense will serve our area, state, and region well,” said Pennsylvania State Representative Clint Owlett (R-68). “She will be a solid voice for our rural values and brings stability and predictability to our communities.

“Amy is a great choice for Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator. She brings to the position a Cornell education, a background in both agriculture and energy, a great knowledge of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, and past work in finance, which all make her the best possible choice. Bradford County is proud of her and we know she will serve the region well,” said Doug McLinko, Bradford County Commissioner.

“I met Amy in 2000 when she was hired as the very first ombudsman with the State Conservation Commission. In the few years I worked with Amy it was very apparent that she was very pragmatic and thoughtful when going to meetings and listening to some of the contentious situations between agriculture and the community. Amy had a soft ear and a desire to understand the concerns of the community,” said Chris Strohmaier, Managing Director, Chester County Conservation District. “I have no doubt that Amy will do an excellent job in this position to protect the environment, but to also understand the many industries that operate within that environment.”

"I have known Amy since our freshman year at Cornell University. Amy was a natural leader on campus and continued that path in her professional career,” said Harriet Wegmeyer, COO of Wegmeyer Farms and retired Executive Director of Nutrients for Life Foundation. “Her life-long experience as a farmer, combined with her years of advocating for farmers and the environment, make her a perfect match for this position."

“Amy is a tenacious leader, a devoted mom, and a go-getter with a growth mindset whose deep roots in agriculture and steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship make her uniquely positioned to lead with both heart and expertise,” said Heather Madland, Managing Director, Business Development, Novacap.

 

Follow EPA Region 3 on Instagram, X and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 3, visit our website. 

 USEPA Media Advisory:

TODAY: EPA Officials to Visit Oklahoma City

DALLAS, TEXAS (April 16, 2024)- EPA officials will visit Oklahoma City today to attend the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO) Mid-Year meeting. As part of the meeting, EPA is joining Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) officials to tour various Brownfield sites in and around downtown Oklahoma City. Members of the media are invited to join the tour.

Tour stops will include: American Indian Boulevard Site, Bricktown Fire Station 6, Sheridan MFP Parcel and OCURA West, Social Capital, BOK Park Plaza, Walnut Project, Downtown Airpark Property, Second Sunshine, 8th & 9th Street Project, MAPS 3 Upper Park, OCURA, Bricktown Phase 1 & 1A, and the Skirvin Hotel. During the tour, a brief site summary will be given at each stop outlining the efforts that went into the property redevelopment and the work done by state and federal agencies.

To RSVP or for more information, please contact Erin Hatfield, DEQ Communications Director, at 405-437-8468 or email R6press@epa.gov.

Members of the media are invited to attend, please RSVP to R6Press@epa.gov.

Date: April 16^th

Location: Omni Hotel, 100 West Oklahoma City Boulevard

Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM

EPA Issues Final Permits for Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide in Texas

 USEPA News Release:

EPA Issues Final Permits for Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide in Texas

DALLAS, TEXAS (April 7, 2025) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued final Class VI permits to Oxy Low Carbon Ventures LLC for three wells for geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide in Ector County, Texas. These are the first permits that EPA has issued in Texas for Class VI wells under the Safe Drinking Water Act Underground Injection Control program, which establishes requirements to protect underground sources of drinking water from contamination. This technology will provide well-paying jobs and can be implemented in an environmentally responsible way.

Class VI injection wells store carbon dioxide (CO2) deep underground that has been captured from an emissions source or the atmosphere. The proposed project, on former ranch land about 14 miles from the city of Odessa, includes three wells that will store about 722,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year at a depth of about 4,400 feet.

 “EPA is committed to approving permits as quickly as possible and ensuring they meet requirements to protect drinking water sources,” said Regional Administrator Scott Mason. “Oxy Low Carbon Ventures has demonstrated their ability and intention to operate these wells responsibly while creating jobs and supporting the Texas economy.”

EPA rules require the company to provide specific analyses of the site to ensure that constructing and operating the proposed wells remains protective of the environment, including preventing contamination to underground sources of drinking water and human-caused seismicity. EPA evaluated these technical analyses, with support from experts at the Department of Energy’s National Laboratories, and additional data to verify that the site’s geology, other nearby underground activity, and project scope and operations would ensure that the permitted activity meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. EPA also required the company to ensure the plans are appropriate for conditions at and around the site, including construction materials, mechanical integrity, and emergency response planning.

While in operation, Class VI wells require extensive monitoring for well integrity, ground water quality, and CO2 movement. Well operators are also required to plan for emergencies and for how the well will be plugged after its lifespan. EPA also ensured the final permits are clear and enforceable under Safe Drinking Water Act regulations.

While developing the draft permit, EPA met with local elected officials and emergency responders, community members, and property owners to explain the Class VI well program, listen to concerns, and answer questions.

EPA proposed to approve the permits in September 2024 and took public comments online and at an in-person hearing in Ector County.

Final permits, responses to public comments, and other finalized or updated documents are available here or in the EPA UIC Class VI Data Repository.

For more information on EPA’s Class VI Program visit our webpage.

Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram,  or visit our homepage.

 

Background

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA developed specific criteria to ensure that when carbon dioxide is stored underground, sources of drinking water are protected. UIC Class VI injection wells are used to store underground carbon dioxide that has been captured from an emissions source or the atmosphere. Class VI injection wells deposit and store material deep beneath the earth in rock formations. These formations must be tested and evaluated to ensure that geologic formations are suitable for the safe containment of CO2 for long-term storage.

 EPA Press Office:

EPA Regional Administrator Visits Puerto Rico to Engage on Environmental Priorities and Energy Resiliency Efforts -- Spanish Below

 

Contact: Elias Rodriguez, 212-637-3664, Rodriguez.Elias@epa.gov  

Nikita Joshi, 934-210-9347, Joshi.Nikita@epa.gov 

San Juan, P.R. (April 2, 2025) - EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci visited Puerto Rico to meet with the agency’s dedicated team, engage with Puerto Rico government leaders, and reaffirm EPA’s commitment to strengthening energy resilience, modernizing infrastructure, and ensuring regulatory certainty—key priorities under EPA’s Powering the Great American Comeback initiative. His visit underscored EPA’s focus on building partnerships and driving real progress, as Puerto Rico works to improve its energy reliability. 

During his time in Puerto Rico, Regional Administrator Martucci met with Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón and key agency officials to discuss how federal investments and clear regulations can help strengthen Puerto Rico’s energy sector and environmental protection systems.

"Puerto Rico’s path to a cleaner environment and a more reliable energy future depends on smart, practical solutions that safeguard public health and support economic growth," said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. "By ensuring clear, consistent regulations and providing strategic support, EPA is working hand-in-hand with our partners to deliver lasting progress for the people of Puerto Rico." 

As part of the visit, the Regional Administrator toured the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority’s San Juan Power Plant, engaging with energy leaders on ways to reduce emissions and ensure reliable power generation across the island. He also met with Puerto Rico’s new Energy Czar, the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, and other important entities that have a role in energy policy in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Regional Administrator Martucci met with officials from the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) and environmental agencies to highlight ongoing efforts to enhance drinking water and wastewater systems, aligning with EPA’s commitment to stronger partnerships and infrastructure investment. 

EPA’s Caribbean Environmental Protection Division (CEPD) staff also briefed the Regional Administrator on critical issues, including solid waste and landfill management, water infrastructure, and disaster recovery efforts. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting local solutions that protect public health and ensure a cleaner, more resilient Puerto Rico. 

"The work being done by EPA’s team in Puerto Rico is instrumental in strengthening the island’s resilience—whether addressing environmental challenges, supporting recovery efforts, or ensuring access to clean water and reliable energy," said Regional Administrator Martucci.  

As part of EPA’s broader commitment to economic and environmental stability, the Regional Administrator also met with the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) Board to discuss strategies for aligning environmental priorities with long-term economic recovery efforts. Looking ahead, EPA will continue working with government agencies, utilities, and local communities to advance solutions that modernize energy infrastructure, improve regulatory compliance, and enhance disaster resilience—critical for Puerto Rico’s environmental and economic future. 

For more information on EPA’s work in Puerto Rico, visit the EPA in Puerto Rico website. 

Follow EPA Region 2 on X, Instagram, and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.  

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El administrador regional de la EPA visita Puerto Rico para participar en las prioridades ambientales y los esfuerzos de resiliencia energética 

 

Contacto: Elias Rodriguez, 212-637-3664, Rodriguez.Elias@epa.gov 

    Nikita Joshi, 934-210-9347, Joshi.Nikita@epa.gov 

San Juan, P.R. (2 de abril de 2025) - El administrador regional de la EPA (Agencia de Protección Ambiental, por sus siglas en inglés), Michael Martucci, visitó Puerto Rico para reunirse con el equipo de la agencia e interactuar con los líderes del Gobierno de Puerto Rico y reafirmar el compromiso de la EPA de fortalecer la resiliencia energética, modernizar la infraestructura y garantizar la certeza regulatoria; prioridades claves según la Iniciativa de la EPA de impulsar el gran regreso de Estados Unidos. Su visita marcó el enfoque de la EPA en construir alianzas e impulsar un progreso real, a medida que Puerto Rico trabaja para mejorar su confiabilidad energética. 

Durante su estadía en Puerto Rico, el administrador regional Martucci se reunió con la Gobernadora de Puerto Rico, Jenniffer González Colón, y con funcionarios claves de la agencia para discutir cómo las inversiones federales y las regulaciones claras pueden ayudar a fortalecer el sector energético y los sistemas de protección ambiental de Puerto Rico. 

“El camino de Puerto Rico hacia un medioambiente más limpio y un futuro energético más confiable, depende de soluciones inteligentes y prácticas que protejan la salud pública y apoyen el crecimiento económico”, señaló el administrador regional de la EPA, Michael Martucci. “Al garantizar regulaciones claras y constantes y proporcionar apoyo estratégico, la EPA está trabajando mano a mano con nuestros socios para lograr un progreso duradero para la gente de Puerto Rico”. 

Como parte de la visita, el administrador regional recorrió la Planta de Energía de San Juan de la Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica (AEE) de Puerto Rico, donde se reunió con líderes energéticos para analizar maneras de reducir las emisiones y garantizar la generación confiable de energía en toda la isla. También se reunió con el nuevo Zar de Energía de Puerto Rico, Josué Colón Ortiz; el Secretario del Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (DRNA) de Puerto Rico, Waldemar Quiles Pérez y otros funcionarios que tienen un papel en la política energética de Puerto Rico. Además, el administrador regional Martucci se reunió con funcionarios de la Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados de Puerto Rico (AAA) y agencias ambientales para destacar los esfuerzos en curso para mejorar los sistemas de agua potable y aguas residuales, alineándose con el compromiso de la EPA de fortalecer las asociaciones y la inversión en infraestructura. 

El personal de la División de Protección Ambiental del Caribe (CEPD) de la EPA también informó al administrador regional sobre temas críticos, incluyendo la gestión de residuos sólidos y vertederos, la infraestructura de agua y los esfuerzos de recuperación tras los desastres. Reafirmó su compromiso de apoyar soluciones locales que protejan la salud pública y garanticen un Puerto Rico más limpio y resiliente. 

“El trabajo que está realizando el equipo de la EPA en Puerto Rico es fundamental para fortalecer la resiliencia de la isla, ya sea abordando los desafíos ambientales, apoyando los esfuerzos de recuperación o asegurando el acceso a agua limpia y energía confiable”, indicó el administrador regional Martucci.  

Como parte del compromiso más amplio de la EPA con la estabilidad económica y ambiental, el administrador regional también se reunió con la Junta de la Ley de Supervisión, Administración y Estabilidad Económica de Puerto Rico (PROMESA, por sus siglas en inglés) para discutir estrategias destinadas a alinear las prioridades ambientales con los esfuerzos de recuperación económica a largo plazo. De cara al futuro, la EPA continuará trabajando con agencias gubernamentales, servicios públicos y comunidades locales para promover soluciones que modernicen la infraestructura energética, mejoren el cumplimiento regulatorio y aumenten la resiliencia ante desastres, lo cual es fundamental para el futuro ambiental y económico de Puerto Rico. 

Para ver más información sobre el trabajo de la EPA en Puerto Rico, visite el sitio web de la EPA en Puerto Rico. 

Siga la Región 2 de la EPA en X, Instagram, y visite nuestra página en Facebook. Para obtener más información sobre la Región 2 de la EPA, visite nuestro sitio web.  

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