GOVERNOR-ELECT KEVIN STITT ANNOUNCES SECRETARY OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
Oklahoma City, Okla. (Nov. 28, 2018) – Governor-elect Kevin Stitt announced today the appointment of Kenneth Wagner as the next Secretary of Energy and Environment.
“I am pleased to announce that Ken Wagner will be joining my administration as the next Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment,” said Stitt. “Wagner is well respected among environment leaders, energy industry experts, and state regulators in neighboring states. He will play a critical role in advising my administration on policy that encourages robust and responsible development of our natural resources, ensures clean air and clear water for all Oklahomans, and makes our state an example for others to follow.”
Kenneth (Ken) Wagner currently serves as the Senior Advisor to the Administrator for Regional and State Affairs at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Prior to working at the EPA, Wagner served as founding partner and managing partner at the Tulsa law firm Latham, Wagner, Steele & Lehman, P.C. Wagner graduated from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 1993.
“During his time at EPA, Ken was at the forefront of our efforts to work more closely with states and tribes to ensure clean air, water, and land for all Americans. He traveled to nearly every state in the nation, strengthening existing relationships and forging important new ones. He helped provide our regional offices a direct and open line of communication to headquarters to address local issues in a comprehensive and unified manner. We are grateful for his service to EPA and the American public, and we know he will bring the same dedication and expertise to Oklahoma as he leads the state’s efforts to improve energy production and environmental protection.”
– Andrew Wheeler, EPA Acting Administrator
“Ken Wagner provides a wealth of knowledge and a proven history as a senior adviser of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. We are pleased he will return to Oklahoma to serve as the Secretary of Energy & Environment. His experience in dealing with regulations regarding energy production will ensure our state continues to implement rational and reasonable policies that encourage the responsible production of Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas.” -Chad Warmington, President of Oklahoma Oil & Gas Association
“AAPCA represents more than 40 state and local air agencies with senior officials from 20 state air agencies sitting on its Board of Directors and an additional 25 local agency members. At our Spring 2018 meeting, Ken talked with us about his role and work at EPA to implement cooperative federalism by fostering effective EPA working relationships with states, tribes and local air agencies. An effective EPA-state working relationship is key to helping each air agency address the unique challenges and opportunities that it faces to improve air quality. AAPCA appreciated Ken’s solution oriented focus and the fact that he actively listened to and engaged with our membership.”
– Nancy Vehr, President of the Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies
“Ken Wagner has been an incredible advocate for advancing states issues with EPA. He has embraced the concept Cooperative Federalism and provided states a direct line of communication to the leadership at EPA Headquarters and specifically to the Administrator. While we will miss Ken in his role at EPA, Oklahoma gains a seasoned leader! Nebraska and ECOS offer hearty Congratulations!”
-Jim Macy, Vice President of the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS)
“Arkansas is delighted to welcome Ken Wagner as the new Secretary of Energy and Environment for the State of Oklahoma. As a skilled state’s-rights advocate who has first-hand knowledge of the federal bureaucracy, Ken is uniquely qualified to assume this important role. I look forward to working with him as we strive to support efficient, effective, and environmentally protective economic development in our region through our trusted partnership on critical state-to-state initiatives. Arkansas and Oklahoma share a bright future in energy and environmental progress.”
–Becky Keogh, Director of Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality
“I have enjoyed working with Ken Wagner in his capacity as Senior Advisor to the Administrator for Regional and State Affairs at EPA,” said Carol Comer, Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Ken is thoughtful, collaborative and an amazing solver of complex problems. I look forward to working with him in his new role as the Secretary of Energy and Environment in my neighboring state of Oklahoma.”
– Carol Comer, Director of Missouri Department of Natural Resources
“Congratulation Oklahoma! The selection of Ken Wagner as Oklahoma’s new Secretary of Energy and Environment was a great decision. Oklahoma will be well served by Ken, and we look forward to working with him during his tenure.”
-Leo Henning, Director of Environment for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment
“I had the pleasure of getting to know and work with Ken during my time at EPA Region 6. Oklahomans will be well-served by Ken’s extensive knowledge of state and federal environmental issues. I look forward to working on federal regulatory policies that affect both Texas and Oklahoma while continuing to protect our natural resources and ensuring economic development for our great states.”
– Emily Lindley, Commissioner of Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
“Myself and the Quapaw Nation are extremely excited with Governor Elect Stitt naming Kenneth Wagner to be the Secretary of Energy and Environment. Ken has shown his incredible dedication to developing Tribal Nation’s capabilities to participate in environmental cleanups associated with Tribal lands. Ken is one the hardest working public servants I have ever met. Governor elect Stitt has ensured a brighter future for Oklahoma with this important appointment”
– John L. Berrey, Chairman of the Quapaw Nation
“The RESTORE Council was fortunate to have Ken Wagner serve as the EPA’s designee to the Council. Ken’s leadership as Chair, particularly with team and consensus building helped create much needed momentum for Gulf Restoration.”
-Ben Scaggs, Executive Director of RESTORE Council
