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President Trump has been appointed administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in California and the Southwest Pacific this week, making him one of Golden State’s most prominent new climate officials.
Josh FW Cook has been appointed new administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency in California and the Southwest Pacific.
(US Environmental Protection Agency – Southwest Pacific)
Cook, who lives in Chico, will be responsible for the implementation and enforcement of federal environmental laws in nine regions, including California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, the Pacific Islands and 148 tribal nations. His appointment has led the state and region to tackle climate issues such as extreme heat on the Colorado River, catastrophic wildfires and water crisis.
“Josh Cook is the right person to lead Region 9,” Trump’s EPA head Lee Zeldin said in a statement. “He understands the unique nature of the Southwest Pacific and will be a great addition to the EPA team. Josh’s talent is paramount to working with state and local partners to promote America’s great American comeback across our region.”
But Cook’s appointment also means that Zeldin and Trump disregard the urgency of climate change and create allowances for industries that rely on the fossil fuels that warm the planet. Zeldin recently announced plans to abolish or undermine more than 20 environmental regulations governing air and water quality and other environmental issues.
In response to interview requests, Cook’s team said he was not available anytime soon. In a written statement, he said he was “humbled and honored to take on such a meaningful mission from President Trump and the administrator Zeldin.”
“With a focus on the core competency of clean water, land and air, EPA Region 9 reduces energy costs, generates wealth and solidifies America’s position as a leader in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, AI technology and transportation,” Cook said.
Cook comes to the EPA according to various roles of government and politics. This includes taking on advisory positions to the US Department of Agriculture and the Department of Interior as Chief of Staff for the California Legislature Minority Caucus. He was an advisor to the Tribal Council of Concow Maidu Indians’ The Mooretown Rancheria for 26 years, according to his LinkedIn profile.
“The United States has a treaty and trustworthy obligation to clean toxic areas, increase access to clean water and create a partnership with the American Indians,” Tribal Chairman Benjamin Clark Jr. said in a statement. “We have trusted Josh in our efforts to get back the native hands, work for native brands, and unlock the incredible wealth.
Cook spent 10 years as Chief of Staff for former California Senator and gubernatorial candidate Brian Dahle (R-Biever).
Reaching over the phone, Dalle described Cook as “a good guy, a good guy,” saying he had enough experience to manage some of the state’s worst environmental crises, including the spillway crisis at Oroville Dam in 2017 and the fatal camp fire in Butte County in 2018.
“I think he can step into that role,” Dahl said. “It’s a big area. I don’t know about the issues of other states outside of California, but I know there’s a lot going on here in California. I’m looking forward to someone in California actually being a pick.”
Rep. Doug Ramalfa (R-Richvale), who publicly questioned the science behind human-bred climate change and sponsored the bill aimed at more relaxed environmental restrictions, is one of Cook’s biggest champions. In particular, Lamalfa has reduced the risk of wildfires by supporting increased logging and forest management.
Cook has partially praised Ramalfa for his EPA appointment. “I would like to thank Rep. Doug Ramalfa, who has been working to weigh for me and actually change as quickly as possible,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
“I have worked with Josh Cook for over 30 years. He is a great leader and I look forward to supporting him in his work with Administrator Zeldin at the EPA.
Environmental groups primarily say that given Cook’s limited track record, he has no feel for where he has his core issues.
But Melissa Romero, director of policy advocacy for California’s environmental voters, said he had worked with Cook several times during Congress, describing him as a “people protectionist.” [who] I care about the natural scenery of the state. ”
“We may not have always agreed to policies, but he was always listening and he was willing to constantly attract and brainstorm people and solutions,” Romero said.
More recently, Cook served as the city manager for Biggs, a town of about 1,700 residents in Butte County. In January he was now fired from his role for breach of contract, as first reported on local news site Action News. Times’ reviewed records show that Cook committed whistleblower complaints against city council members about alleged concern among other concerns, campaign spending violations and alleged retaliation.
Cook will replace Marthagzman, former EPA Region 9 administrator appointed by President Biden.
Another of his predecessors, Mike Stalker, was appointed during the first Trump administration, but was suddenly fired from his duties in 2020. At the time, the stalker said the fire was because he was too friendly with the Democrats.
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