The U.S. Senate has confirmed John W. Busterud to serve as the Assistant Administrator of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM). Appointed by President Donald J. Trump, John W. Busterud will be responsible for protecting the human health and environment of American communities by preventing contamination, cleaning up and returning land to productive use. This includes leading OLEM’s Superfund and Brownfields programs that exemplify Administrator Zeldin’s vision of supporting environmental stewardship while growing our economy and promoting job growth to Power the Great American Comeback.
“John Busterud is the right person to head up EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management. We have so much to tackle in this office, including our efforts to clean up Superfund sites, advance Brownfields projects, and more across the nation. John has decades of experience in this field, including leading EPA Region 9 in the first Trump Administration. Excited to see all the great work we will accomplish together,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve as Assistant Administrator of the Office of Land and Emergency Management,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Land and Emergency Management John W. Busterud. “I look forward to working with Administrator Zeldin, the administration, our dedicated professional staff, and our partners and stakeholders to help ensure that all Americans can live safe and prosperous lives. Protecting our land, cleaning up and returning land to productive economic uses protects the health of Americans, supports their economic prosperity and provides job opportunities.”
John Busterud comes to this role with over 35 years of experience as an environmental and energy attorney. In the previous Administration of Donald J. Trump, he served as the Region 9 Administrator where he led EPA’s efforts to protect human health and the environment in the Pacific Southwest. Mr. Busterud is also a retired U.S. Army Colonel with multiple Combined, Joint and Interagency assignments, including active-duty deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and service in support of Combined Forces Command on the Korean Peninsula. John served as Senior Director and Managing Counsel, Environment and Real Estate, Law Department, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, from 1985-2016. Mr. Busterud has also served as a board member for the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance, Vice Chair of the California Veterans Board and Chair of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East. Mr. Busterud received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Union College, NY, and his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Army’s Command and General Staff College.
Here’s what people are saying about John W. Busterud’s presidential appointment:
Former EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler: “John was instrumental in our success during the first term as the Region 9 Administrator and I know he will do a great job leading the team at OLEM. His committment to protecting the environment is without question.”
Association of California Water Agencies Deputy Executive Director Cindy Tuck, P.E.: “John Busterud has earned his longstanding reputation for his integrity, knowledge of environmental law, and public engagement. The Association of California Water Agencies is pleased that the Senate has confirmed his appointment at EPA.”
California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance (CCEEB) President & CEO Tim Carmichael: “John is a stalwart environmental advocate with decades of experience. He is a great choice to lead the EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management, and I applaud the senate for confirming him to this role.”
Clark County, Washington Council Chair, U.S. Army Major General (retired), California Superior Court Judge (retired), and Sonoma County, California Deputy District Attorney (retired) Gary Medvigy: “I have known John and his family for many decades as a lawyer, soldier and in so many other capacities where he served his community and nation. There is no one more talented or dedicated to every undertaking. He will excel in the Office of Land and Emergency Management and America will be better for his service.”
