President Trump Appoints Scott Mason IV as EPA South Central Regional Administrator
DALLAS (February 6, 2025) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that President Donald J. Trump has appointed Scott Mason IV to serve as the 14th regional administrator of the EPA’s South Central Region, also known as Region 6. Mason will lead the implementation of President Trump’s environmental agenda in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas and with 66 Tribal Nations.
“We are putting together a high-caliber team at the EPA comprised of experienced individuals committed to our core mission. I am excited to welcome back Scott Mason to the EPA, this time to serve as our Region 6 Administrator,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “Scott brings with him over twenty years of government experience at all levels, as well as having served as EPA’s director of the American Indian Environmental Office. He is the right person we need leading Region 6. Scott has the knowledge, talent, and dedication needed to succeed, and I am ready to get to work with him.”
“It’s a tremendous honor to be appointed by President Trump to be EPA Region 6 Administrator under the leadership of Administrator Zeldin,” said Scott Mason IV. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and 66 Tribal Nations who are looking to EPA to fulfill our mission to protect human health and the environment while fostering economic growth. As someone with deep roots in this region, I am committed to working hard each and every day to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve by implementing the President’s agenda and the Administrator’s ‘Powering the Great American Comeback’ Initiative.”
This is Mason’s second appointment to EPA, having served as the Director of EPA’s American Indian Environmental Office during President Trump’s first administration. He and his staff were charged with the protection of human health and the environment in Indian country, which includes all 574 federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native Villages. Additionally, he was a member of The White House Council on Native American Affairs, where he served as co-chair of the Council’s Committee on Infrastructure.
Most recently, Mason was the Deputy Secretary of Energy of Oklahoma. He has served at the local, state and federal levels of government in various capacities, including as a vice president and the executive director of federal programs at The University of Oklahoma (OU) and on the staff of Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin.
Mason is a Citizen of the Cherokee Nation and a 5th generation Oklahoman, from Cordell. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from The University of Oklahoma.
Here’s what people are saying about Mason’s presidential appointment:
"With President Trump’s appointment of Scott Mason to be Regional Administrator, EPA’s South Central Region now has a leader who understands how to balance protecting the environment with protecting the economy,” said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (LA-01). “I look forward to working with Scott and Administrator Zeldin as they reprioritize the EPA’s focus on enacting policies that will actually help Louisiana industry flourish and play its part in Making America Great Again.”
"It is vital to have leaders at EPA who understand the importance of working hand in hand with the states to address environmental and energy issues," said Governor Kevin Stitt (OK). "Scott Mason served as my Deputy Secretary of Energy, and I am confident that he will ensure the states’ voices will be heard as the EPA Administrator for Region 6."
“Arkansas looks forward to having a collaborative relationship with President Trump’s EPA, fostering business development while protecting our clean air and drinking water. I know Scott has what it takes to serve as our Regional Administrator and I look forward to my administration working with Administrator Zeldin to implement President Trump’s America First agenda,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (AR).
"Scott Mason has extensive experience in environmental protection and public service, and I know he will do excellent work as the 14th regional administrator of the EPA’s South Central Region," said Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell (OK). "Through hard work and selfless service, Scott exemplifies the Oklahoma Standard, and I know he will continue to represent our state well."
“President Trump’s appointment of Scott Mason as Regional Administrator of EPA Region 6 is great news for Texans,” said Lt. Governor Dan Patrick (TX). Mason’s experience serving at the EPA during President Trump’s first term means he will hit the ground running to accomplish the EPA’s mission: ensuring Americans have clean air, land, and water.”
“It is great to have someone from our region appointed to lead EPA Region 6. He just understands the needs and resources of our communities,” said U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (LA). “Congratulations to Scott Mason. I’m confident he’ll do a fantastic job.”
“Oklahomans have benefited from Scott’s service for many years in a variety of capacities. As President Trump begins the work of dismantling the overly burdensome environmental regulations of the previous Administration while still protecting our air, land, and water, he’ll have a strong and dedicated partner in Scott Mason,” said U.S. Senator James Lankford (OK).
“Congratulations to Scott Mason, the new EPA Administrator for Region 6,” said U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (OK). “Scott is a 5th generation Oklahoman, the former Deputy Secretary of Energy for Oklahoma, and he served as President Trump’s EPA Director of the American Indian Environmental Office during his first term. I thank Scott for his continued service to our nation and wish him all the best in his new role.”
“I am very pleased to see Scott Mason, my friend and colleague of over 30 years, appointed as the EPA Region 6 Administrator. Scott is both a proud Oklahoman and a faithful public servant. With years of experience serving as the Director of the American Indian Environmental Office within the EPA and as the former Deputy Secretary of Energy for Oklahoma, I am confident that Scott’s extensive experience will serve him well in this new role. I look forward to working alongside him this year as we tackle the pressing issues facing EPA Region 6.” U.S. Representative Frank D. Lucas (OK-03)
“Congratulations to my fellow Oklahoman, Scott Mason, on being appointed as the new Regional Administrator for EPA Region 6. In past roles, Scott has proven to be an efficient and effective leader, handling both state and federal relations for all three University of Oklahoma campuses. I have no doubt Scott will prove to be just as successful in his new position, and I look forward to seeing all the good things Scott brings to EPA Region 6.” U.S. Representative Tom Cole (OK-4)
“Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma are going to be well-served under Regional Administrator Mason’s leadership. He is keenly aware of the energy and environmental needs of our area of the country, and his past experiences with the EPA and varying level of state government in Oklahoma will help bring the right balance to EPA’s Region 6. Arkansas is called the Natural State for a good reason; we have an abundance of natural beauty and resources, and we know how to live with the land so that it is economically productive while being protected from unnecessary harm. I look forward to working with Regional Administrator Mason in his new role.” U.S. Representative Rick Crawford (AR-1)
“We have a lot of work ahead to reverse harmful policies and implement solutions that put Americans first,” said U.S. Representative Randy Weber (TX-14). “I look forward to working with Scott Mason IV as he takes the helm at the EPA's Region 6, which, in my view, is the best region in the country, blessed with abundant natural resources that power our nation.”
"Scott Mason IV is a strong leader who understands the importance of balancing environmental stewardship with economic growth and energy independence,” said U.S. Representative Brian Babin (TX-36). “His experience at both the state and federal levels make him the right choice to lead EPA Region 6. I look forward to working with him to cut unnecessary red tape, protect our natural resources, and advance policies that put American energy and jobs first."
"Scott Mason’s leadership and experience make him an outstanding choice to lead EPA Region 6,” said U.S. Representative Kevin Hern (OK-O1). “As a proud Oklahoman, he understands the need for smart environmental policies that don’t come at the cost of economic growth. Less red tape means more innovation, stronger businesses, and a thriving economy. Unleashing American enterprise starts with getting Washington out of the way, and I look forward to working with him to ensure we strike that balance."
“Congratulations to Scott Mason on his appointment as the 14th Regional Administrator of EPA Region 6. As a proud Oklahoman, a dedicated public servant, and an EPA alum, Scott brings a wealth of experience to this role. His leadership and extensive expertise in energy and environmental matters have prepared him well. I look forward to working with him.” U.S. Representative Stephanie Bice (OK-5)
“Congratulations to Scott Mason IV on his appointment as Regional Administrator of EPA Region 6,” said U.S. Representative August Pfluger (TX-11). “I look forward to working alongside him to cut back against the bureaucratic red tape that has hindered energy production in the Permian Basin. Republicans in Congress are committed to unleashing American energy.”
“I look forward to Scott Mason bringing his state and federal experience to restore common sense and highlight the negative effects that excessive EPA regulations have on our communities in Oklahoma,” said U.S. Representative Josh Brecheen (OK-02)
"Scott’s extensive experience in public service and expertise in environmental and energy issues make him an excellent choice to lead the EPA Region 6 office," said Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment Jeff Starling. “It is great to have an Oklahoman at the helm of EPA Region 6, and we look forward to renewed cooperation with Region 6."
“I have had the opportunity to work with Scott Mason in the past and he is an excellent choice to lead EPA Region 6,” said Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Executive Director Kelly Keel. “I look forward to working with him on federal regulations that protect Texas’ public health and natural resources consistent with sustainable economic development.”
“Through working with EPA Region 6 Administrator Mason over the past four years in his state role in Oklahoma, I know that he will do an excellent job and I’m excited to work with him in this new capacity,” said Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment Secretary Shane Khoury. “Scott understands the need to roll back the unnecessary, overreaching, and cumbersome policies of the last EPA administration and how those poor policy decisions negatively impacted states like Arkansas. Scott also understands the need to empower each state to tailor its implementation of federal policies in a way that best protects its air, water, and land resources, while encouraging economic growth.”
"I am excited about the appointment of Scott Mason as EPA Region 6 Administrator, and I look forward to continuing our positive working relationship. Scott served as Oklahoma’s Deputy Secretary of Energy where I got to know him and appreciate his smart and thoughtful approach to government regulation. I am confident he will be an excellent leader for our region and will work to improve public health and the environment while also using balanced, science-based methods to ensure prosperous futures for current and future generations," said Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality Executive Director Rob Singletary.
"I am excited to have Scott Mason leading the EPA’s Region 6 office and moving quickly to ensure a tone of collaboration and respect with the states,” said Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Aurelia S. Giacometto. “With Scott as Regional Administrator, my agency and the people of Louisiana can look forward to a partner that helps us protect our air, water, and land while ensuring a healthy economy in our great state.”
“I applaud President Trump for appointing Scott Mason to lead the EPA’s South Central Region,” said Former Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin. “Growing up in Cordell and serving the people of Oklahoma during my administration and in other leadership roles, Scott knows firsthand how to protect both the environment and the men and women who live and work in this region. He will be a tremendous asset to the Trump Administration in achieving its priorities at the EPA.”
“Scott Mason is a dedicated public servant with a long history of service to Oklahoma. I’ve worked with him in the past on numerous occasions and I look forward to continue working together as he takes on his new role at the EPA. I wish him, and the rest of the incoming Trump administration, nothing but the best and will make my office accessible to help in any way possible.” Brian Bingman, Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner
“President Trump has made it clear that domestic energy production and maintaining a clean environment for our citizens are not mutually exclusive objectives,” said Texas Railroad Commissioner Jim Wright. “I look forward to working with Regional Administrator Mason on issues such as produced water recycling which will provide new sources of water for Texas while ensuring the long-term success of our domestic energy production.”
“I look forward to the opportunity to work with Scott Mason in his new role as Regional Administrator,” said Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur. “I have had the opportunity to work with Scott in several capacities at the state level where he has always been collaborative, thoughtful and professional. The work done at EPA is incredibly important to our agriculture producers and we look forward to collaborating with Region 6 under Scott’s leadership to ensure farmers and ranchers are able to feed and fuel a growing world population.”
“I congratulate Scott on his appointment as EPA Region 6 Administrator. He understands the importance of agriculture in the region, the important consumer protection programs that we jointly coregulate, and the need to work closely with the states,” said New Mexico Director/Secretary of Agriculture Jeff M. Witte. “I look forward to our partnership and welcoming him to New Mexico for a visit in the near future.”
“Scott Mason's leadership will be crucial in ensuring that all sectors of Region 6’s oil and natural gas industry can continue to operate responsibly and with regulatory certainty. As a former Oklahoma Deputy Secretary of Energy, he understands the vital role oil and natural gas plays in our modern world. He understands that energy security is national security. We look forward to working with him to advance policies that support domestic energy production, environmental stewardship, and economic growth.” Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma President Brook A. Simmons
“We are delighted in President Trump’s fast work to put key leaders in important positions like he has for the EPA South Central Regional Administrator. Industry has consistently worked to lower emissions and has established a demonstrated commitment to maintaining high standards in air, land, and water quality. The nation and much of the world relies on the industries located in this region, and we look forward to working with Scott Mason to advancing environmental stewardship.” Texas Oil & Gas Association President Todd Staples.
“As a citizen of a Tribal Nation and the former Director of EPA’s American Indian Environmental Office, Scott Mason brings an important perspective to his new role as the Regional Administrator,” said Tabitha Langston of the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma and current co-chair of the EPA National Tribal Operations Committee. “I look forward to working with him on federal regulations that protect Tribal Nations’ public health and natural resources.”
“The member companies of the Environmental Federation of Oklahoma want to congratulate Scott Mason on his appointment to be the EPA Region 6 Administrator. We have worked with Scott for many years while he worked in various roles in Oklahoma State Government, including his latest role as Deputy Secretary of Energy. Scott has always been quick to offer his assistance on various energy and environmental issues and dealt with these issues in a fair and thoughtful manner. We look forward to working with Administrator Mason and his exceptional staff at Region 6” said Howard L. (Bud) Ground, President, Environmental Federation of Oklahoma.
Connect with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 6 on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, or visit our homepage.