Cherokee Nation Citizen Appointed as EPA South Central Regional Administrator

On February 6, 2025, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that President Donald J. Trump has appointed Scott Mason IV, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, as the 14th Regional Administrator for the EPA's South Central Region (Region 6). This region encompasses Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and 66 tribal nations, making it a critical area for environmental oversight and tribal collaboration.

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Mason brings over twenty years of government experience at local, state, and federal levels. This is his second appointment to the EPA, having previously served as the Director of the EPA’s American Indian Environmental Office during President Trump’s first administration. In that role, he and his staff were responsible for protecting human health and the environment in Indian country, which includes all 574 federally recognized tribes and Alaska Native Villages. He also served as a member of The White House Council on Native American Affairs, co-chairing the Council’s Committee on Infrastructure.

Most recently, Mason served as the Deputy Secretary of Energy of Oklahoma. His extensive background also includes roles as a vice president and executive director of federal programs at The University of Oklahoma (OU), as well as serving on the staff of Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin. Additionally, he held positions as the director of economic policy and senior advisor for the U.S. Department of Commerce, and as a special assistant for Presidential personnel during Trump’s first term. Mason also served as the political director of President Trump’s 2020 campaign in Oklahoma and as a delegate for the state during the 2020 Republican National Convention.

A 5th generation Oklahoman from Cordell, Mason earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from The University of Oklahoma. His deep roots in the region and commitment to environmental stewardship make him a fitting choice for this role.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin praised the appointment, stating, “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. Scott has the knowledge, talent, and dedication needed to succeed, and I am ready to get to work with him.”

Mason expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “It’s a tremendous honor to be appointed by President Trump to be EPA Region 6 Administrator under the leadership of Administrator Zeldin. 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.”

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. also commended the appointment, stating, “Scott Mason’s appointment as EPA Regional Administrator for Region 6 is a historic moment for the Cherokee Nation and Indian Country. His leadership will ensure that the voices of tribal nations are heard in critical environmental decisions.”

As Regional Administrator, Mason will oversee the implementation of federal environmental policies, working closely with state, local, and tribal governments to address pressing issues such as clean air, water quality, and sustainable development. His appointment is seen as a significant step in strengthening the partnership between the EPA and tribal nations in the region.