Al Armendariz, an associate professor at SMU, was named a regional EPA administrator by President Barack Obama in early November. Photo courtesy of SMU.

Al Armendariz, an associate professor of environmental and civil engineering at SMU, is soon to be head of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 6.

As a regional EPA administrator, Armendariz will be advocating environmental protection efforts on both a state and local level. In doing so, he will work in between state and local government officials and EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.

Jackson, who announced the appointment of Armendariz, is pleased with the agency’s new edition.

“He will certainly play an instrumental role in our Agency’s mission to protect our health and the environment,” Jackson said in a press release.

Armendariz is coming in at a more difficult time to lead the region, which includes Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and 66 Indian tribes.

According to the EPA, Texas pollution standards are below what is considered adequate. While aiming to improve these standards, the state must also meet the federal Clean Air Act requirements, just as other states do. But Armendariz is confident that he can take on any challenge with his new team.

“I think it’s pretty obvious to the regulated industries, and the environmental groups and the politicians that what EPA is doing now is a big departure from what EPA has been doing for a number of years. It’s an exciting time,” Armendariz said in a press release.

After joining the SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering faculty in 2002, Armendariz has earned several outstanding faculty awards. Dean of the Lyle School Geoffrey Orsak believes Armendariz is well prepared for his new position, according to a press release.

“Al is an extraordinarily talented, insightful and balanced engineer who will make a significant contribution to our nation and region,” he said.

Armendariz leaves our campus eager for his new position, but with a feeling of great accomplishment.

“I’ve greatly enjoyed being at SMU. It’s been a fantastic place to work, and I’ve had the support of Dean Orsak and Dr. Turner for all my activities,” he said.

The Lyle School associate professor is now looking on to his future endeavors.

“I think it’s fair to say that the new administration, the President and Lisa Jackson have put EPA on a new course to better protect the environment, and I’m happy to be part of them,” Armendariz said.