The U.S. Senate has confirmed Usha-Maria Turner to serve as Assistant Administrator for the Office of International and Tribal Affairs (OITA) at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA). Appointed by President Donald J. Trump, Turner will lead efforts to advance the agency’s core mission of protecting human health and the environment and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s Powering the Great American Comeback initiative.
“I am extremely excited to have Usha Turner confirmed by the U.S. Senate to lead EPA’s Office of International and Tribal Affairs. She is uniquely positioned to strengthen agency relationships with our tribal partners, along with advancing our priorities on a global stage. Looking forward to working with Usha in this new role,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
“I am truly honored to be able to serve in this important role as we continue to put America First, domestically and abroad and am grateful for the confidence and trust vested in me by President Trump and Administrator Zeldin. I look forward to bringing my environmental regulatory and policy experience to EPA as we continue to focus on our core mission of protecting human health the environment and, to furthering EPA’s Federal Trust responsibility with Tribal Nations,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of International and Tribal Affairs Usha-Maria Turner.
OITA serves as the agency’s lead on international and tribal environmental strategy. It fosters global partnerships to address cross-border pollution and promote U.S. environmental priorities abroad. Domestically, OITA upholds EPA’s Federal Trust responsibility, empowering tribal nations to develop and manage their own environmental programs.
Prior to joining EPA, Turner was Vice President for External Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer at Chesapeake Energy in Oklahoma City, where she oversaw government and regulatory relations across all levels, led community outreach and philanthropic initiatives, directed public affairs, and spearheaded the company’s sustainability strategy and stakeholder engagement.
With more than two decades of experience in the power sector across Oklahoma, Texas, and the Southwest Power Pool, Turner brings deep expertise in federal and environmental policy, infrastructure development, asset expansion, and regulatory compliance. Her public policy work has included engagement with EPA, U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Turner holds engineering degrees from Texas A&M University and brings a multinational, multicultural background and perspective to her leadership.
Here’s what people are saying about Usha-Maria Turner’s presidential appointment:
Senator John Boozman (R-AR): “Congratulations to Assistant Administrator Usha-Maria Turner. Her background and navigation of the confirmation process give me confidence she will help execute EPA’s mission with greater transparency, efficiency and engagement among tribal groups and all stakeholders. I look forward to working together to make the agency a better partner for communities in Arkansas and nationwide.”
Senator James Lankford (R-OK): “I want to congratulate Usha-Maria Turner on her nomination to the EPA. Her decades of experience in environmental policy and her commitment to improving the quality of life for communities across the country make her a strong addition to the agency. I look forward to working with her on issues that matter to Oklahomans and to all Americans.”
Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK): “Usha has made Oklahoma proud through her long history and dedication to the energy security of this nation. She will be an incredible asset to President Trump and his team as Assistant Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of International and Tribal Affairs.”
Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK-05): “I’m incredibly excited to see that Oklahoma’s own, Usha-Maria Turner has been appointed to serve as the Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for the Office of International and Tribal Affairs. Usha brings decades of private-sector experience and knows how to navigate environmental regulations while working with tribes of all sizes in Oklahoma. I am confident that Usha will serve with distinction and help protect human health and the environment.”
Former Oklahoma Secretary of Energy & Environment Kenneth Wagner: “I am grateful to the U.S. Senate for their advice and consent to confirm Usha Turner as Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs. She is exactly who we need leading the EPA’s International and Tribal Programs. In Oklahoma she was a constant and consistent champion for common sense policy and solutions in a state where energy, tribes and tourism are its most important issues. Her knowledge and experience of working on some of the toughest regulatory challenges in the federal government, across multiple states, and Indian country make her the perfect choice for this role. She is smart, capable, and has the ability to lead during this period of profound change. Her steady hand will be an asset for all Americans.”
American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC) CEO Anne Bradbury: “AXPC strongly supports the confirmation of Usha-Maria Turner, an experienced leader committed to securing America’s energy dominance through policies that balance environmental protection with economic growth. Under her leadership, the Office of International and Tribal Affairs is strongly positioned to work with tribal and international stakeholders to advance the interests of U.S. workers and industries.”
USLNG Association (LNG Allies) President & CEO Fred Hutchison: “Usha-Maria Turner is the perfect choice to lead the EPA’s Office of International and Tribal Affairs as the agency works to reduce the regulatory burden on U.S. businesses while meeting its statutory environmental protection mandates. In her former role with the U.S. natural gas industry, Usha interacted with international diplomats on dozens of occasions, and her skills and experience will be a tremendous asset as the EPA works with America’s foreign partners and tribal nations to secure sound and sensible environmental policies.”
