News Release (C-16-98)

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For Immediate Release (C-16-98) Contact: Communications Office (916) 324-9670 October 1, 1998

Secretary Rooney Appoints Donald Owen, Jr. as Assistant Secretary for Environmental Technology

SACRAMENTO -- Peter M. Rooney, Secretary for Environmental Protection, today announced the appointment of Donald Owen, Jr. as Assistant Secretary for Environmental Technology at the California Environmental Protection Agency.

As Assistant Secretary for Environmental Technology, Owen will represent the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) on inter-state and international initiatives to accelerate the development and commercialization of new and better tools to protect the environment. Cal/EPA has formed partnerships with other states, federal agencies, and nations--including Canada and South Korea. The Assistant Secretary for Environmental Technology also oversees Cal/EPA's award-winning Environmental Technology Certification Program. Owen currently serves as the Chief of the Office of Environmental Technology at the Air Resources Board. Previously, Owen served at the State Water Resources Control Board on the staff of the Executive Director and Board, where he performed program start-up, evaluation and oversight for water resources regulatory programs. As part of the state and federal Clean Water Program, Owen coordinated and managed California's Innovative and Alternative Technologies Program, which financed construction of new technologies valued at more than $200 million annually. He has also held fiscal, legislative, and program assignments at the State Water Resources Control Board.

Owen earned his civil engineering degree at the University of California, Berkeley. He is a registered civil engineer and native of Sacramento. This appointment is not subject to Senate confirmation.

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