FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2000
Contacts:
Dianne R. Nielson, DEQ Executive Director, (801) 536-4402
Rick Sprott, Division of Air Quality, (801) 536-4151
Richard Sprott has been appointed Director of the Utah Division of Air Quality. Sprott replaces Ursula Kramer, who resigned in August after accepting a position with Pima County, Ariz. At the time of his appointment, Sprott was serving as acting division director and manager of the division's Planning Branch. DAQ will begin immediately the recruiting process to fill the planning branch manager position he vacates.
"Today, Utah's quality of life, economic development and decisions on growth depend on the quality of our air, just as our future air quality will reflect our actions and plans. Rick Sprott brings technical and management expertise, focus on partnership, commitment to finding solutions and capable leadership, all of which are essential if we are to meet the challenge," said Dianne Nielson, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.
"We are fortunate and delighted to have found someone in our community with the depth of knowledge, background and experience that Rick has in the environmental field," said Howard Van Boerum, Chairman of the Air Quality Board.
As director, Sprott has the responsibility of leading Utah's efforts with other western states to improve visibility in national parks and class I airsheds. Sprott also oversees development of a new PM10 maintenance plan to resolve transportation conformity problems.
"It's important as we look to the future that we find smarter, more creative ways of protecting the environment while accommodating growth," Sprott said. "I'm committed to working with concerned citizens, regulated communities, elected officials and local health departments to improve air quality and maintain quality of life."
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.