SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - On March 18, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that President Donald J. Trump appointed Josh F.W. Cook as EPA’s Pacific Southwest (Region 9) Regional Administrator.

Regional Administrator Cook will have stewardship to implement and enforce federal environmental laws in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, the Pacific Islands, and 148 Tribal Nations.

“Josh Cook is the right person we need to lead Region 9. He understands the unique nature of the Pacific Southwest and will be a great addition to the EPA team,” Zeldin said. “Josh’s talent working with state and local partners will be paramount to power the great American comeback across our regions.”

Before joining the EPA, Cook was an advisor to the Tribal Council of the Mooretown Rancheria of Concow Maidu Indians, where he designed a decades-long large-scale forest resiliency initiative through government-to-government agreements with Tribes, National Parks, and multiple U.S. Forests in California and Nevada.

Previously, Cook served as Chief of Staff to the Minority Caucus in the California Legislature. His previous environmental service includes appointments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Interior Resource Advisory Councils and tenure as a city planning commissioner.

“I am humbled and honored to take on such a meaningful assignment from President Trump and Administrator Zeldin. While focusing on the core competencies of clean water, land, and air, EPA Region 9 will lead the way in reducing energy costs, creating wealth, and cementing America’s position as a leader in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, AI technology, and transportation,” said Cook.

Cook is a veteran of the California State Guard and an associate professor and lecturer at the University of Southern California. He earned an associate’s degree in languages from Butte College, a Bachelor’s of Science from Charter Oak State College and a Master’s of Science from Cal State University, East Bay.

Cook and his wife, Robin, have been married 32 years and are the parents of five children and five grandchildren. They reside in Chico, where they actively engage in their church and community.

“I’m pleased to congratulate Josh Cook on his appointment, and I look forward to working with him as he leads the Pacific Southwest Region of the EPA,” said Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo. “Our region has unique challenges and opportunities, and I’m confident that Josh will successfully lead the agency in its important work.”

Said California Lieutenant Governor (retired) Abel Maldonado, “I am excited that Josh Cook will lead President Trump's efforts to provide American farmers, landowners, and small businesses with clear and simplified rules for protecting the environment while we lead the world in food production and innovation. By rolling back redundant and costly regulations, the EPA will help American agriculture to lower food costs, and power the great American comeback.” 

Said Mooretown Rancheria Tribal Chairman Benjamin Clark Jr., “The U.S. has treaty and trust obligations to clean up toxic sites, increase access to clean water, and create working partnerships with America’s Indian nations. We have trusted Josh in our efforts to return native hands to work on native lands and unlock the incredible wealth nature has always provided Native people when we take the lead.” 

Said Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Rep. Doug LaMalfa, “I have worked with Josh Cook for more than three decades, he is a great leader and I look forward to supporting his work with Administrator Zeldin at the EPA as they systematically implement the long overdue regulatory reforms for the western states.”