Eckardt C. Beck

Biography
[EPA press release - December 18, 1979]

Eckardt C. "Chris" Beck has assumed top management responsibility for the Environmental Protection Agency's hazardous waste, water pollution control and drinking water programs. Beck, 36, was confirmed by the Senate on December 14th as EPA's new Assistant Administrator for Water and Waste Management.

EPA Administrator Douglas M. Costle said, "I selected Chris Beck for this demanding assignment because of his excellent track record in dealing with environmental emergencies while serving as EPA's Regional Administrator in New York. I am impressed by the competent, creative manner with which he has tackled complex hazardous waste problems in New York and New Jersey, including remedial actions at Love Canal and the initiation of precedent-setting enforcement actions at Kin-Buc, a major waste disposal site."

"EPA presently has no higher priority than the prompt formulation of final regulations on the safe disposal of hazardous wastes," Costle said. "I have selected Chris Beck to head this effort because of his unique and preeminent qualifications for this vital mission. He has assured both Congress and myself that he is prepared to devote his full energies to getting this tough job done. I have no doubt that he will do so."

Costle said that "His background in all levels of government and his ten years of experience in environmental protection bear witness to the expertise he brings with him."

Beck will oversee EPA activities in carrying out is responsibilities under the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, and the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act. Beck comes to EPA Headquarters in Washington following two years as EPA's Regional Administrator for Region II, based in New York City.

At Senate confirmation hearings on October 17, 1979, Beck said, "During my terms as a city, State, National, and regional environmental official, I have shared the perspectives of each of these levels from their particular vantage points. I realize that astute regulatory policy means that each level of government must be treated with deference to its unique needs, through the even-handed application of the law."

"During my career in public service, I have always made public participation an important goal," Beck continued. "I believe that the most supportable regulatory policies are those in which the many voices of the public can be heard."

In his last assignment, Beck served as EPA's Regional Administrator for Region II, which includes New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Serving in that capacity from August 1977 until mid-September 1979, he was directly responsible for all environmental programs established under the broad range of Federal legislation.

Before his assignment as Regional Administrator, Beck was EPA's Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water Planning and Standards at the Agency's Headquarters in Washington, D.C. In that capacity he managed the Nation's industrial water pollution clean-up program. He was also instrumental to the development of the Areawide Water Quality Management Program under Section 208 of the Clean Water Act, the Agency's effort to protect wetlands, and the toxic substances control program. He held that position from May 1975 to August 1977.

The Office of Water Planning and Standards is one of the offices Beck will supervise in his new role as Assistant Administrator. He will also be responsible for the Office of Drinking Water, the Office of Water Program Operations (ocean dumping, sewage construction), and the Office of Solid Waste.

Prior to joining EPA, Beck served as Deputy Commissioner of Connecticut's Department of Environmental Protection from October 1973 to March 1975. There he helped design the first State Implementation Plan to control air pollution. He also established one of the first State Resource Recovery authorities, and was an innovator in setting up new air pollution enforcement programs. He was also active in State energy policy, establishing and directing the Connecticut Energy Agency and serving as the Governor's chief advisor on energy policy.

Beck began his career in public service in 1969 as Air Pollution Control Office with the City of Stamford, Connecticut.

A 1968 graduate of Emerson College in Boston, Beck received a master's degree in Public Administration in 1972 from New York University. He also attended Yale University's Graduate School of Epidemiology and Public Health, and holds a graduate certificate in Air Pollution Administration from the Graduate School of Public Administration, University of Southern California.

Beck is a native of Rockville Centre, New York. He will reside in the Washington, D.C. area with his wife, son and daughter.

Eckardt C. Beck

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