Close

Utah Department of Environmental Quality

The mission of the Department of Environmental Quality is to
safeguard human health and quality of life by protecting and
enhancing the environment.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 6, 2000

Contact:
Laura Vernon, DEQ Public Information Officer, (801) 536-4484

DEQ Names Acting Director of the Air Quality Division

Richard Sprott has been named Acting Director of the Utah Division of Air Quality and Executive Secretary of the Utah Air Quality Board. Sprott will serve as acting director until a permanent replacement for former director, Ursula Kramer, is found. Kramer resigned in August after accepting a position with Pima County, Ariz. Sprott will also continue to serve as manager of the Division's Planning Branch.

"We are fortunate to have Rick's leadership abilities and expertise moving the Division forward in protecting air quality not only in Utah but also in the western region," said Dianne Nielson, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

Sprott assumes the responsibility of leading Utah's efforts with other western states to solve the regional haze problems in national parks. Sprott also continues to oversee development of a new PM10 maintenance plan to resolve transportation conformity problems.

"I'm privileged to have this opportunity to work more closely with people involved in setting air quality policy," Sprott said. "Air quality is very important to the citizens of Utah and we are committed to keep the air we breath as clean as possible."

Sprott came to the Division of Air Quality in 1994 as an environmental scientist in the Operating Permits Section, where he focused primarily on toxic air pollutants and electric utility permitting. Prior to coming to the Division, Sprott served as a career officer in the U.S. Air Force. His final assignment was at Hill Air Force Base as Deputy Chief of the Science, Technology, and Environmental Services Division.

Sprott has a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Grinnell College and a master's degree in environmental management from Duke University. While at Duke University, he received the Atmospheric Sciences Academic Achievement Award from the Central North Carolina Chapter of the American Meteorological Society for his work in toxic air pollutants.