Scenic Hudson has announced the appointment of Peter (Pete) Lopez as its new Executive Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Science. Peter Lopez, a former EPA Regional Administrator and NYS Assemblyman, brings a wealth of experience in public policy and grassroots engagement to the organization. He will commence his role on March 14, joining Seth McKee, Executive Director of The Scenic Hudson Land Trust, Inc. and Land Programs, in co-leading Scenic Hudson’s program staff.
Peter Lopez most recently served as a special assistant for Climate and Renewable Energy to the New York State Commissioner of Agriculture & Markets. His prior experience includes serving as administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 2 from 2017 to 2021. During his time at the EPA, Peter Lopez oversaw operations across New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight federally recognized Indigenous tribes. Before his EPA role, Peter Lopez dedicated a decade to the New York State Assembly, representing a diverse district encompassing the Hudson Valley, Catskills, Southern Tier, and Capital District regions.
Peter Lopez Headshot
Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan highlighted the timely nature of Peter Lopez’s appointment. “Pete Lopez is joining Scenic Hudson at a crucial moment as we intensify our efforts to address the growing threats of climate change and strengthen our commitment to environmental justice throughout the Hudson Valley. Peter’s extensive background in public policy at both the state and federal levels, his dedication to bipartisan solutions, his innovative approach to problem-solving, and his proven ability to connect with diverse communities make him an invaluable asset to our team.”
Peter Lopez’s extensive experience directly aligns with Scenic Hudson’s recently launched Climate and Environmental Justice Initiative. This multi-year initiative aims to significantly enhance the organization’s impact in combating the climate crisis and promoting environmental justice. Scenic Hudson remains committed to ensuring equal access to clean air, fresh water, and open spaces, as well as revitalizing formerly contaminated industrial areas into public spaces. In his role, Peter Lopez will oversee the Policy, Advocacy and Science, Climate, and Stewardship teams, playing a central role in achieving the goals of this critical initiative.
“Scenic Hudson stands as a leading force in the region, dedicated to environmental protection and improvement, shaping responsible land use, and fostering connections between people and the Hudson River, a vital regional asset,” stated Peter Lopez. “I am honored to join this team of highly skilled professionals, particularly at a time when addressing human-caused climate change and cleaning up the Hudson River is more urgent than ever. Scenic Hudson’s collaborative ethos, its successful track record in mobilizing grassroots advocacy, and its reliance on scientific principles were key factors that drew me to this position. I am eager to contribute to Scenic Hudson’s long history of success in tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”
Peter Lopez’s career is marked by significant accomplishments across several key areas:
Climate and Renewable Energy: In his role at the Department of Agriculture & Markets, Peter Lopez advised on utilizing regenerative agriculture to combat climate change and championed grassroots initiatives focused on agricultural and environmental sustainability, storm resilience, infrastructure development, and land use planning. Throughout his tenure as an Assemblyman and EPA administrator, Peter Lopez consistently advocated for environmental protection and proactive climate action.
Climate Resiliency: As EPA administrator, Peter Lopez directed recovery efforts in Puerto Rico following multiple hurricanes and earthquakes. He also addressed long-standing environmental issues that exacerbated storm damage in the region. As a New York State Assemblyman, Peter Lopez played a key role in the state’s comprehensive response to Hurricanes Irene and Lee and Superstorm Sandy.
Environmental Justice: As a special advisor to a Puerto Rico-based consulting firm, Peter Lopez applies his expertise to address environmental concerns and develop effective disaster preparedness strategies. During his time at the EPA and in the Assembly, he spearheaded initiatives to improve critical drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in both rural and urban communities. In the Assembly, Peter Lopez served on the Committee on Environmental Conservation and was an active member of the Task Force on Food, Farm and Nutrition Policy and the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus.
PCBs in the Hudson River: Peter Lopez was head of EPA Region 2 when the agency declared that there was insufficient data to definitively determine if the cleanup of cancer-causing PCB toxins, discharged into the Hudson River by General Electric, was adequately “protective” of the environment and public health. While Scenic Hudson opposed the EPA’s decision to grant GE a Certificate of Completion for its partial cleanup of PCB hotspots in the upper Hudson, the agency’s “protectiveness deferred” declaration provides an opportunity for Scenic Hudson and its partners to continue advocating for further cleanup of the upper Hudson and a thorough remedial investigation of the river’s lower sections. Peter Lopez is expected to play a vital leadership role in advocating for a robust Natural Resource Damage claim and the restoration of the long-impacted Hudson River.
Personal Background:
Born in Miami and raised in Schoharie, New York, Peter Lopez is the son of a Puerto Rican farmer. He is an alumnus of the University at Albany, holding both a BA and MPA. Peter Lopez is an Eagle Scout and holds a black belt in Zen Do Kai. His numerous accolades include recognition in the 2020 City and State Magazine New York State Influential Latino Power 100 List, the New York State Masons’ General Douglas MacArthur Award for Service to Youth, the Centro Civico “Corazon” Achievement Award for Public Service, and the Greene County Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award.
