Gov. Mike Dunleavy appointed Randy Bates as the commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. Bates assumes his new role on Monday, May 19, succeeding Christina Carpenter, who has served as acting commissioner since January.
Emma Pokon was the commissioner until January, when she was tapped by the Trump Administration to be the regional director for the EPA.
“Randy is uniquely suited to assume the role of commissioner-designee for DEC and continue to push my Administration’s agenda to develop our plentiful resources responsibly and to minimize the impacts from all of our actions on the environment,” Gov. Dunleavy said in a statement.
Bates brings decades of experience in state government to the position, including a previous tenure as director of DEC’s Division of Water. He also held the role of director of the Division of Habitat at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, where he worked to balance development with environmental protections.
Bates expressed appreciation for the appointment and emphasized his commitment to the department’s mission.
“It is an honor to be named commissioner, and I look forward to working for Governor Dunleavy and with the other members of his cabinet,” Bates said. “My primary goal as commissioner will be to continue the department’s mission of balancing the need for responsible development and preserving Alaska’s pristine lands and waters and wildlife.”
Christina Carpenter, who stepped in as acting Ccommissioner earlier this year, has accepted a position outside of state government. She will continue serving as deputy commissioner through May 30 to help ensure a smooth leadership transition. Governor Dunleavy thanked Carpenter for her service and leadership, acknowledging her contributions to DEC and to Alaskans statewide.
Bates will need to be confirmed by the Alaska Legislature in a joint session but will serve in the capacity of commissioner until that time, which could be next week or next year.
I hope Randy Bates is level-headed and follows the Alaska Constitution.
…to ensure development of state resources “by making them available for maximum use consistent with the public interest,” under Alaska Const. art. VIII, § 1. Sullivan v. Resisting Envtl., 311 P.3d 625 (Alaska 2013).
P.S. Bears a striking resemblance to John McClane in Die Hard (Bruce Willis)
Appears to enjoy a stellar background, lets all just hope he hasn’t drank too much Anchorage water.
Couldn’t have found a better person. He will be great. Although I would rather see him as Commissioner of DNR.
Good choice.
Randy is a stand-up guy with plenty of relevant background to position himself to make good, rational decisions.
Tall Mike: if your administration had only started out this way, folks would have respected you more…
Does anyone have any idea where this guy lives. .?? Never heard of him before.
Question ; has this Appointed Commissioner of DEC got his “BOND” as required by Statute As 39.05.050 & As 39.15.010 – 100? No selective enforcement Governor! ART.III Section 16 doesn’t allow you that privilege ! They my serve at your pleasure but they can’t if they are out of compliance to our Statutes ! Liberty Ed
It’s concerning when a career bureaucrat is appointed Commissioner. This just deepens the state.
Bonds AS 39 is the law and the law must faithfully be followed. Article III Section 16. The governor shall be responsible for the faithful execution of the laws… In a recent letter from Chief AAG Helzer she wrote, “…Attorney General Taylor has confirmed that the following commissioners require a bond…” One of the commissioners was Commissioner Adam Crum. Chief AAG Helzer goes onto to write, “These bonds have been secured…” I did request a copy of the secured bonds but I have not received them to date.
Bonds protect the State, the Public Official and/or employee, and we the people. SCO 10 Chief Justice Nesbett followed the bond statute adopted when Alaska was a Territory.
I’m sure Ed Martin Jr. will forward an Application for Public Official Bond Alaska and his 42-page Power Point Presentation to you.
Another left-leaning bureaucrat. What a joke.
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