Guzman Aceves Named U.S. EPA Regional Chief

California Public Utilities Commission member Martha Guzman Aceves will be appointed the new head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 9.

“Martha is an experienced leader that values economic justice and will represent the best interests of the residents in the region,” EPA Administrator Michel Regan said in a Dec. 9 statement. Region 9 covers California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, the Pacific Islands, and 148 Tribal Nations.

Guzman Aceves will replace Deborah Jordan, who has served as Region 9’s Acting Regional Administrator since 2016.

Guzman Aceves has served on the CPUC for the last five years. She was appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown.

She started her career as the legislative coordinator for the United Farm Workers. Guzman Aceves’ departure from the CPUC will make it the second one announced this year. President Marybel Batjer informed staff earlier this year that she will be leaving the commission at the end of this year. Alice Reynolds will be the new CPUC president as of Dec. 31.