The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Water has witness critical movements in its leadership in the past two weeks.
Radhika Fox departed her role as assistant administrator to the Office of Water Feb. 23, which she had announced earlier this year. On February 27, she announced she would be joining Xylem as a senior advisor and will provide strategic counsel to the company.
Replacing her in the role, according to information from EPA, is Bruno Pigott. Pigott was Fox's second-in-command in the Office of Water having held the position of principal deputy administrator. In an email to Wastewater Digest, EPA's public relations team shared the following information about Piggot's values and work history.
Bruno’s deep appreciation for water began as a small boy who grew up playing along the shores of Lake Huron in Michigan. As a child, he spent summers on Huron’s beaches, swimming and fishing in the clear, cold water, and exploring the wetlands and their natural bounty.
Bruno is a career public servant, having worked at the cross-section of public service and water policy for more than 30 years—including on Capitol Hill, at a Foundation, as a city councilmember, and as Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environment.
In his role as the Office of Water leader, Bruno brings the strong belief that government can work to benefit people’s lives. He particularly looks forward to working for an Administrator who puts science, public health, and environmental protection first and, moreover, who strives to ensure that EPA’s work is grounded in the lived experience of the American people—especially low income and disadvantaged communities.
The email notes that EPA Office of Water has numerous priorities on its agenda for 2024, including final rules for the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Maximum Contaminant Levels, final rules for the Lead & Copper Rule Improvements, updates to the effluement limitation guidelines, and Waters of the United States. Also mentioned were efforts to address nutrient pollution, combined sewer overflows, the water quality certification program and EPA's Class VI Underground Injection Control Program.
As for the move by Fox to Xylem, Xylem CEO Matthew Pine lauded her work with the office and shared excitement for her to join the company, according to a press release.
“Radhika is one of the world’s most insightful and effective champions of water – a universally respected voice for solutions to society’s biggest water challenges," Pine said. "She has an extraordinary track record of engaging stakeholders, building consensus, and driving positive change in how we tackle water and climate challenges. We are pleased she is bringing her energy and insights to Xylem.”
The Endeavor Business Media Water Group has coordinated with U.S. EPA for an interview with Pigott in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to WaterWorld, Wastewater Digest and Stormwater Solutions for the latest.
