Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced Wednesday that he is nominating Republican Anne Vogel to become the next director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA). If the Ohio Senate confirms the nomination, Vogel will replace current director Laurie Stevenson who announced her retirement at the end of this year.
The Ohio EPA protects the environment and public health by enforcing environmental laws. According to DeWine, Vogel has the right experience for the job, and due to their history working together, she understands his priorities for the state.
“Anne Vogel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the helm of the Ohio EPA. Because she worked with me as Policy Director, Anne knows my priorities and will provide leadership to this important agency charged with protecting Ohio’s air, land, and water,” DeWine said.
During his first term, Vogel served as policy director for energy and natural resources for DeWine. She executed many important initiatives in the DeWine-Husted administration, most notably the design and start of H2Ohio, Dewine’s initiative to assemble the Ohio EPA, Ohio Department of Agriculture, and Ohio Department of Natural Resources to improve wastewater infrastructure and prevent lead contamination through the natural infrastructure of wetlands, a reduction in nutrient runoff, and increased access to clean drinking water and quality sewer systems.
Before joining DeWine’s staff, she held a variety of legal and regulatory roles for American Electric Power (AEP), ending her tenure as managing director of federal government affairs for its Washington, DC, office.
Vogel has a Master of Business Administration from the Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, a law degree from Capital University Law School in Columbus, and a bachelor’s degree from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina.
To safeguard the environment, the Ohio EPA oversees the operation of pollution sources, monitors samples, provides technical assistance to businesses and individuals, funds pollution prevention initiatives, responds to spills and emergencies, and more.
“We all want clean air and clean water. At the same time, we want to make use of many of our planet’s resources. Which is where the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency comes in. To ensure a safe and healthy environment for all Ohioans,” the Ohio Farm Bureau said.
The director of the Ohio EPA manages all activities of the agency, including policy development and rulemaking, enforcement, strategic planning, coordinating state and federal initiatives, and providing outreach, education, and assistance to the regulated community and citizens.
– – –
Hannah Poling is a lead reporter at The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Follow Hannah on Twitter @HannahPoling1. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Anne Vogel” by Anne Vogel.Â
