Dunleavy appoints new commissioner of DEC

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.