The second-in-command in EPA’s water office will become the agency’s top water official at the beginning of March, the agency told E&E News on Wednesday.
Bruno Pigott, who is currently principal deputy assistant administrator for water, will replace the outgoing assistant administrator for water, Radhika Fox, once she departs next week, EPA spokesperson Remmington Belford said. Fox’s last day is Feb. 22.
Pigott, who will take on the new role in an acting capacity, joined EPA’s water office in December 2021 after a 20-year career at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. From 2017 to 2021, Pigott was commissioner of the department under former Gov. Eric Holcomb (R).
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The leadership change at EPA’s water office comes as the administration is in the midst of finalizing several key water regulations. In particular, EPA is expected to finalize the first-ever nationwide drinking water standard for six “forever chemicals” in the coming months. The agency has also proposed a rule that would require the phase-out of lead pipes within 10 years.
