Environment Secretary Michael Gove has reappointed Emma Howard Boyd as Chair of the Environment Agency.
In confirming the reappointment, Secretary of State Michael Gove said: “I am grateful for Emma’s strong leadership and achievements over her first term. She has played a crucial part in the Environment Agency’s vital work safeguarding our environment.
“I look forward to her continuing to enable delivery of our 25 Year Environment Plan which will leave the environment in a better state for future generations.”
Emma Howard Boyd was first appointed Chair of the Environment Agency in 2016. She also sits on the Defra Board. Her second term will run from 19 September 2019 until 18 September 2022.
Emma Howard Boyd said: “It’s an honour to be reappointed as Chair of the Environment Agency. This is a dynamic and challenging period for the environment as we seek to maximise the opportunities presented by the 25 Year Environment Plan and EU Exit and develop even stronger environmental protections for the future.
Emma Howard Boyd – “It’s an honour to be reappointed as Chair of the Environment Agency. This is a dynamic and challenging period for the environment as we seek to maximise the opportunities presented by the 25 Year Environment Plan and EU Exit and develop even stronger environmental protections for the future.”
“Last year the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change called for urgent global action to limit temperature rises. The next three years will be critical for all of us to ensure that the country is more resilient to extreme weather, minimising carbon emissions and protecting and enhancing the environment.
“I’m looking forward to working with all our partners to achieve the best we can. And I am proud to head an organisation which has such fantastic, professional and committed staff.”
The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body set up under the Environment Act 1995 to take an integrated approach to environmental protection and enhancement in England.
It has major responsibilities in flood management, water resources and quality, climate change, land quality, chemicals, pollution prevention and control, waste, conservation and biodiversity, fisheries conservation, air quality and navigation.
The Environment Agency Board currently comprises a Chair and nine members.
All appointments to the Environment Agency Board are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.
There is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if significant) to be declared. Emma has confirmed that she has not undertaken any significant political activity during the past five years.