NEWS RELEASE                              Governor Bob Taft

TAFT NAMES KONCELIK TO HEAD OHIO EPA

COLUMBUS (December 30, 2004) – Governor Bob Taft today named Joseph P. Koncelik as director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.  Koncelik will become director on January 7 with the departure of Christopher Jones, who has resigned.  His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Ohio Senate.

“I’m pleased to have a professional of Joe Koncelik’s caliber as head of the Ohio EPA as we face the difficult challenges of meeting clean air standards, restoring the Great Lakes and tackling other pressing environmental issues,” said Taft.  “He is experienced and capable, and will provide the agency with steady leadership.”

Koncelik currently serves as Ohio EPA’s assistant director and chief legal counsel.   He took the lead in working with the legislature to safeguard isolated wetlands after they lost federal regulatory protection, and was instrumental in the development of the water quality management plan that protects central Ohio’s Darby Creek watershed, designated as a state and federal scenic river system. 

As assistant director, Koncelik has directed budget-cutting efforts, including vehicle fleet reduction that saved $700,000, and has worked to expand technical assistance to small businesses.  As chief legal counsel, he cut the time it takes to resolve enforcement cases in half, while producing record levels of administrative penalties over each of the past four years.

Before joining Ohio EPA, Koncelik worked in the environmental enforcement section of the Ohio Attorney General’s office.  He holds undergraduate and law degrees from The Ohio State University and resides in Hilliard.

Ohio EPA has authority to implement laws and regulations regarding air and water quality standards; solid, hazardous and infectious waste disposal standards; water quality planning, supervision of sewage treatment and public drinking water supplies; and cleanup of unregulated hazardous waste sites.

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Media Contact:  Orest Holubec, Governor’s Press Secretary, at (614) 644-0957.