Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Emma Pokon has been selected by President Donald J. Trump to be the new Region 10 Administrator at the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

“It has been an incredible privilege to be a member of DEC’s leadership for the last five years and to serve in Governor Dunleavy’s cabinet,” said Commissioner Pokon. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue public service in this new role and look forward to working with EPA leadership and Region 10 to ensure balanced implementation of the nation’s environmental laws.”

““I can’t think of any Alaskan better suited to oversee federal environmental regulations and laws for Alaska than Emma Pokon,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “She has performed an admirable job leading the Department of Environmental Conservation and protecting Alaska’s pristine land and waters, and I join Alaskans from across the state in congratulating her for her new role.”

Pokon was appointed commissioner by Governor Dunleavy in December 2023, her last day at the department will be February 5. Deputy Commissioner Christina Carpenter will serve acting commissioner pending the governor’s selection of a new DEC commissioner.