Warwich Valley Dispatch, February 1 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his first week back in office, President Donald Trump is moving swiftly to assemble his leadership team at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), appointing key regional administrators to critical positions. Among these appointees is Warwick’s former State Senator and owner of Masker’s Orchard and Farm, Mike Martucci, whose name appeared listed as Region 2 administrator on EPA’s website, last week.
Martucci’s appointment reflects the administration’s emphasis on pairing environmental stewardship with economic growth. Region 2, headquartered in New York City, oversees New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—areas with significant environmental challenges such as Superfund sites, post-hurricane recovery efforts, and urban pollution.
Mike Martucci: From Local Roots to National Leadership
Martucci, a former New York state senator representing the 42nd district, brings a unique blend of political, entrepreneurial, and environmental experience to his new role. Known for founding Quality Bus Service, a school bus company where he was the first driver, Martucci also worked to preserve open space and protect natural resources in Orange County.
Martucci sponsored groundbreaking legislation to extend the Town of Warwick’s Community Preservation Fund for an additional 25 years until 2050 (S2689/A5324) which was signed into law during his term in office allowing the Town to continue its effort to preserve working farms, recreational and critical environmental areas.
“After past attempts stalled, I’m proud to have worked with the community and my local and state partners to see it signed into law,” Martucci said in his statement in 2021. “My life as a farmer has taught me the importance of balancing growth with conservation.”
During his last year in Albany, in 2022, Martucci received one of the best scores of any Republican lawmaker in rankings by the New York League of Conservation Voters.
Martucci holds an MBA from Marist College and has been recognized for his leadership in business and transportation. His dual focus on economic pragmatism and environmental preservation aligns with the administration’s goals for Region 2, which is home to some of the nation’s most complex environmental issues, including New Jersey’s numerous Superfund sites.
“As Mike settles into his new role, we’ll be setting up division-level meetings with him so our team can get to know him in a smaller setting,” Alyssa Arcaya, Region 2’s deputy administrator, told staff in a Wednesday email, as was reported by Politico’s E&E News. “He is looking forward to meeting all of you.”
For Region 2, Martucci’s blend of local knowledge and entrepreneurial experience offers hope for a balanced approach that addresses environmental challenges while fostering economic opportunity.
Trump’s Broader Moves at the EPA
Martucci’s appointment is part of a broader push by Trump to fill top EPA positions quickly, signaling a decisive approach to environmental policy. Alongside Martucci, Scott Mason has been named Region 6 administrator, overseeing EPA operations in Texas, Louisiana, and other oil-and-gas-heavy states. Mason, a veteran of the EPA during Trump’s first term, previously directed the agency’s American Indian Environmental Office and served as Oklahoma’s deputy secretary of energy.
Trump also appointed Jim Macy as the Region 7 administrator, covering Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Macy, a former Nebraska environmental regulator with nearly four decades of experience, is known for his leadership during Midwest floods and Superfund cleanups. These appointments mark a departure from past practices, as regional administrators are typically named later in a president’s first year.
Balancing Industry and Environmental Priorities
The Trump administration appears poised to implement policies that balance economic growth with environmental protection. For example, Region 6’s focus will likely include enforcement in Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley” and oversight of the Permian Basin, one of the world’s largest oil and gas hubs. Similarly, Martucci’s Region 2 will tackle urban pollution and disaster recovery while seeking to streamline environmental regulations to promote business growth.
The EPA has already announced a 20-member leadership team, including Chief of Staff Eric Amidon, formerly a top aide to Lee Zeldin, Trump’s nominee for EPA administrator.
Trump’s rapid appointments suggest a clear intent to hit the ground running on environmental issues. One thing is certain: with Trump’s team taking shape so quickly, the next few months will set the tone for the administration’s environmental policies.
