The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has welcomed the First Minister’s announcement that Ken Collins will be the next Chairman of SEPA. Mr Collins recently retired as MEP for Strathclyde East. He was also Chairman of the Committee on Environment, Consumer Protection and Public Health in The European Parliament from 1979 - 1984 and 1989 to 1999. His considerable knowledge, not only of environmental issues but also of the European context from which much environmental legislation comes, will be a real asset to the organisation.

SEPA’s present Chairman, Prof William Turmeau, will retire in October after four years in the post. As the organisation’s first Chairman, he has made an invaluable contribution to establishing SEPA as Scotland’s single, new, powerful environmental regulator. Professor Turmeau has welcomed Mr Collins’ appointment and looks forward to working with SEPA staff and Board members until his retirement in October.

NOTES

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) was established under the Environment Act 1995. Its main duty is to protect and improve the environment by controlling pollution to land, air and water in Scotland

SEPA’ s Chairman and members of the main SEPA Board are appointed by the Scottish Executive in line with Guidance issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.