Anne Vogel appointed to EPA Region 5 Administrator
CHICAGO -- Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that President Donald J. Trump appointed Anne Vogel as EPA Region 5 Administrator. As regional administrator, Vogel will oversee EPA’s work across the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin and 37 Tribal nations. She will also manage EPA’s Great Lakes National Program.
“I am glad to welcome Anne to our EPA team,” said Administrator Zeldin. “Through her leadership running Ohio EPA and following the East Palestine incident, Region 5 and the Great Lakes National Program have the right leader at the right time. I am confident that her deep knowledge and vast experience will be vital to implementing President Trump’s agenda across Region 5.”
“It’s a tremendous honor to join Administrator Zeldin in Powering the Great American Comeback across the Midwest,” said Regional Administrator Vogel. “I’ve been fortunate to have already worked with the Region 5 team in Ohio, and I look forward to working alongside them to implement the Administration’s environmental priorities and ensure clean air, water and land for all, while fostering economic growth and environmental stewardship throughout the Great Lakes region.”
Prior to joining EPA, Vogel served as director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency since December 2022. Previously, she served as policy director for Gov. Mike DeWine and worked for more than a decade at American Electric Power Co. Vogel holds a law degree from Capital University and an MBA from The Ohio State University.
Here’s what people are saying about Anne’s presidential appointment:
“Director Vogel has served Ohio with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to public service,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “She has been integral in helping communities across Ohio clean up contaminated properties, and she has been a leader in Ohio’s work to improve access to clean drinking water. With Anne’s ability to find balance and bring people together, I know Region 5 is in capable hands.”
“I have known Anne Vogel for many years and worked alongside her while I was Ohio’s lieutenant governor, both when she served as Ohio EPA Director and as policy director in the governor’s office,” said Sen. Jon Husted. “Anne has the right experience and a passion for protecting our water, land and air and understands that we can successfully balance the needs of the environment and business so we can lead both healthy and prosperous lives. I believe she’ll be an excellent regional administrator for the U.S. EPA.”
“Anne is an outstanding public servant. I have long admired her work ethic and dedication to serving Ohio communities, most recently as Ohio EPA Director,” said Rep. Troy Balderson. “I have no doubt that her professionalism and the experience she brings to the job will ensure success in her new role as EPA Regional Administrator.”
“Anne Vogel was key to the emergency response and subsequent cleanup of the environmental disaster that happened in our town in 2023,” said East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway. “Anne was there from the beginning, and she will be there for us in the future in this new role as head of the U.S. EPA Region 5. Anne’s unwavering support and dedication to our village is something we can never thank her enough for. The Trump administration could not have found a better fit to lead Region 5.”
"As a neighboring state, IDEM has had the opportunity to work closely with Anne and the Ohio EPA to advance environmental progress in our region," said Clint Woods, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. "Administrator Vogel brings a strong commitment to cooperative federalism, deep environmental policy expertise, and a passion for public service to this role. We look forward to working with her to advance initiatives and rebalance the state-federal relationship in a way that improves the lives of Hoosiers."
“The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has a good relationship with incoming Regional Administrator Vogel, and we look forward to working together to continue to protect air, land, water and climate," said Katrina Kessler, P.E., commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. "Her knowledge of implementing EPA-delegated programs at the state level and her understanding of the challenges and opportunities of implementing those programs will benefit all states in Region 5.”
"On behalf of myself and TRC, I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Anne,” said Christopher P. Vincze, chairman and CEO of TRC Companies, Inc. “As a leader in environmental stewardship for Ohio, Anne understands the critical importance of innovative solutions to today’s challenges. Her leadership in Ohio, including her management of the East Palestine Crisis, illustrates her ability to deliver strong environmental protections to the people and planet while ensuring that economic growth policies are upheld. Her calm and collaborative style ensures that stakeholders are engaged, whether during a crisis or simply in the daily care of the environment she stewards. At TRC, we are also committed to advancing sustainable, innovative solutions that protect our environment while fostering resilience and growth. We look forward to continuing to work together with Anne and the EPA to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all Americans."
“I’m pleased to congratulate Anne Vogel on her appointment and applaud President Trump for his confidence in her leadership,” said Ray Walker, chief operating officer of Encino Energy. “As Director of the Ohio EPA, Anne brought a balanced, commonsense approach to protecting the environment while supporting responsible economic growth. The U.S. EPA’s Region 5 office will benefit from that same thoughtful leadership, and it’s great to see her continue that work at the federal level.”
“Ohio Farm Bureau members appreciated how Ms. Vogel made it a point to work closely with the state’s agriculture community to tackle tough issues as Ohio’s EPA Director,” said Ohio Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Adam Sharp. “Her leadership on taking a holistic approach to working on issues ranging from train derailments to water quality was instrumental in the progress we are seeing across the state and we look forward to continuing to work with her in her new role to protect all natural resources in Ohio and throughout the U.S. EPA’s Region 5.”
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