U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt Wednesday announced the appointment of Cosmo Servidio of Pennsylvania to become regional administrator for Region 3 based in Philadelphia. 

Mr. Servidio will oversee environmental protection efforts in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Cosmo Servidio currently holds the position of director of environmental affairs for the Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority in Pennsylvania where he plays a vital leadership role in one of the state’s largest water and wastewater utilities.

Mr. Servidio oversees operations and facility planning to help identify needed improvements to maintain essential water and wastewater services and provides oversight to ensure utilities comply with all state and federal requirements. 

Prior to joining Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority, Mr. Servidio served as regional director for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for the Southern Region, where he worked to ensure staff implemented the Department’s priorities to improve air quality, waste management, radiation protection, remediation, conservation, safe drinking water, dam safety, and clean water programs.

Mr. Servidio also served as the chief of staff for EPA’s Region 2 headquarters from 2005-2009, where he helped administer federal programs in implementing the Agency’s mission in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“Cosmo Servidio has spent much of his career providing administrative support for institutions that provide healthy environmental outcomes for the public,” said Administrator Pruitt. “He brings federal, state, and local administrative experience working in the environmental field and will provide exceptional leadership for Region 3.”

Cosmo Servidio’s appointment is receiving support from across the region:

-- Douglas Bilheimer, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association: “We are very pleased to learn that Cosmo Servidio has been appointed to serve as director of EPA Region 3. Mr. Servidio’s background at Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection and most recently with one of our largest most progressive municipal authorities will serve him well in his new responsibilities.”

-- Austin Caperton, Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection: “I was very encouraged by my first meeting by phone with Cosmo Servidio. He is obviously experienced and qualified for the position. It was clear that he believes in cooperative federalism and the rights of states. He is clearly in line with the current administration. But most important to me: he listened!”

-- Ben Grumbles, Maryland Secretary of the Environment: “Cosmo is a seasoned environmental professional who knows how to build partnerships for progress throughout our region."

-- Debra McCarty, Commissioner of the Philadelphia Water Department: “Cosmo Servido is an excellent appointment.  He was good to work with at the PA DEP and will bring pragmatism, experience and commonsense to the EPA.  I look forward to again working him in this new role to protect the environment.”

-- Maya K. van Rossum, Delaware Riverkeeper: “Cosmo Servidio is the best choice for Regional Administrator.  He is highly regarded by throughout the environmental community.  This respect has been earned by the fair minded and forthright decisions and actions taken by Cosmo to implement the law and achieve the goals of community and environmental protection.  Even if there was a decision Cosmo made in his role as regional director at PADEP that I didn’t like or agree with, I always knew it was a decision grounded in the facts, the law and one that Cosmo truly believed was the right outcome.  I might not always like the answers Cosmo gave me as a regulator, but I always knew I could trust that he was telling me the truth.  That kind of integrity from a Regional Administrator is critical for success, particularly in today’s political climate.”

-- Wilmer Stoneman, Director of Commodities and Marketing, Virginia Farm Bureau: “Virginia Farm Bureau certainly welcomes this opportunity to work with Mr. Servidio to balance the needs of Virginia Farmers and the Chesapeake Bay.”

-- Jeff Warmann, CEO and President, Monroe Energy LLC: “Cosmo’s leadership is unparalleled.  He has a keen ability to bring regulators and business together, ensuring that they communicate effectively and that their shared goals of protecting the environment are achieved.  Cosmo and his team were readily available to answer any questions we had or to provide guidance when needed.  I want to congratulate Cosmo on his appointment to Region Three Administrator; I know that he will do a tremendous job.”

-- Rob Wonderling, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia: “On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia we applaud the recent appointment of Cosmo Servidio as the Region III EPA Administrator.  Cosmo has served our region well as a public servant and business leader who keenly understands that environmental stewardship and economic growth require consensus, collaboration, and a modern approach to policy and regulation.  Cosmo has a proven track record of being a highly energetic leader and innovative leader who actively listens to all sides and perspectives related to complex environmental issues.  He also has a keen eye on global trends, solid science, and macroeconomic opportunities that will serve our region and nation well in this new assignment.”

For more information, visit the EPA Region 3 webpage.

NewsClip:

Cusick: Former DEP Official Cosmo Servidio To Head EPA Region 3 In Philadelphia

[Posted: Oct. 4, 2017]

10/9/2017