POUGHKEEPSIE N.Y. Scenic Hudson, a Poughkeepsie-based environmental group, announced that a former assemblyman and environmental official in Trump’s administration has been promoted to a key role.
Peter Lopez, a Republican state assemblyman from 2007-2017 and a federal Environmental Protection Agency officer between 2017 and 2021, was appointed executive director of Scenic Hudson Policy, Advocacy, and Science. Lopez will begin work on March 14.
Lopez was a former member of the Assembly District represented by Chris Tague, R – Schoharie.
Lopez has been a special advisor for Climate and Renewable Energy to New York State Commissioners of Agriculture & Markets.
He was the administrator of the EPAs Region 2 from 2017-21. This included operations in New York, Puerto Rico and the U.S Virgin Islands as well as eight federally recognized Indigenous tribes.
Pete Lopez joins Scenic Hudson just as we intensify our efforts to face increasing threats from a warmer climate and intensify actions to advance environmental justice in the valleys and in all of our work, stated Ned Sullivan, Scenic Hudson President. His expertise in Washington and Albany public policy, as well as his commitment to bipartisan action and creative problem-solving and history of engaging diverse audiences will make Pete an invaluable member of our team.
According to the release Lopez’s vast experience and expertise closely align with Scenic Hudsons recently launched Climate and Environmental Justice Initiative. It will increase its efforts to combat the climate crisis, and improve its impact on environmental injustices, according to the release. The organization will continue its long-standing efforts in ensuring equitable access to clean water, fresh air, and open spaces, as well as transforming formerly polluted industrial sites to new public spaces.
Lopez stated that Scenic Hudson was the regional powerhouse for protecting and improving the environment, shaping the land use, and connecting people with the Hudson River, the region’s most important asset. I am proud that I have joined the capable team top-flight professionals at an important time to reverse human-caused climate change, and clean up Hudson.
Lopez stated that Lopez attracted me to the position because of their collaborative approach, success in mobilizing grassroots supporters, and reliance upon science.
