There was some speculation that Steven Chester might become the new administrator for EPA Region V. Looks like he's headed to private law practice, instead.
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that Jim Sygo will serve as interim director of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) beginning January 5, 2010, following Director Steven Chester’s announcement today that he will leave his post on January 4. Sygo currently serves as deputy director for the DEQ.
“As we continue to prepare for the new department of Natural Resources and Environment, we need continued leadership, and Jim is in an excellent position to spearhead the department,” Granholm said.
In announcing Sygo as interim director of the department, Governor Granholm offered praise for Chester’s commitment to Michigan’s proud traditions of environmental stewardship during his tenure as director.
“Steve Chester believes in the premise that improving our environment goes hand-in-hand with improving our economy,” Granholm said. “He has fought for the ideals that so many Michigan citizens believe in: clean air, healthy forests, and unparalleled water resources, all of which help to define who we are as a people and who we are as a state.”
“On a personal level, I am indebted to Steve for his service,” Granholm added. “As one of my original Cabinet members, he has stood with us to serve the people of this great state during a time of economic upheaval and uncertainty. He has been both counselor and friend, and I will miss him as he begins to write the next chapter in his personal career.”
Director Chester will be leaving to return to the practice of law, specializing in environmental counseling and litigation. Director Chester has served as head of the DEQ since 2003 and has overseen numerous reforms of the department’s operations that have streamlined services and made it one of the most efficient and effective environmental agencies in the nation. Chester also championed significant changes to Michigan’s environmental laws that will ensure Michigan’s natural resources will remain protected for generations to come.
Granholm’s appointment of Jim Sygo to serve as interim director will be in effect through January 17, 2010, when Executive Order 2009-45 will combine the operations of the DEQ and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) within the newly created Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE). The governor stated she will appoint a permanent director of that new department at a later date.
