Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Office of the Commissioner

Welcome

• DEC Commissioner:
• Emma Pokon
• Biography

• DEC Deputy Commissioner:
• Christina Carpenter
• Biography

Primary Services

• Provides policy direction for the department
• Ensures that public concerns are fully considered in department decisions and actions
• Establishes department objectives and assures performance
• Serves as spokesperson for the Governor on environmental matters
• Issues decisions on administrative appeal requests
• Adopts all department regulations

Goals

• Protect human health and the environment while providing timely, science-based, legally defensible permits/approvals.
• Improve employee retention and develop our employees
• Leverage technology and workflow improvements to create efficiencies, reduce our environmental footprint, and increase the transparency and visibility of DEC's efforts.

Of Interest

Governor Dunleavy Congratulates Appointees Confirmed by Legislature

May 7, 2024 (ANCHORAGE, Alaska) - Today, the Alaska State Legislature confirmed Governor Mike Dunleavy’s appointees to lead two state departments and dozens of appointees to boards and commissions. Emma Pokon was confirmed as Commissioner of Environmental Conservation.

Governor Dunleavy Appoints Emma Pokon Commissioner-designee of Department of Environmental Conservation

Dec 5, 2023 (ANCHORAGE, Alaska) - Today, Governor Mike Dunleavy appointed Emma Pokon as commissioner-designee for the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Pokon was named acting commissioner in August.

DEC continues to press EPA for a reasonable approach to PM pollution

For 14 years, the local communities, the Borough, and DEC have been making progress on particulate matter pollution in the FNSB Nonattainment Area. DEC and the Borough have worked diligently within federal restrictions to develop a plan that curbs emissions and provides a sustainable and affordable framework to help maintain air quality. This is no simple task.

Federal Responsibilities for Contaminated Lands in Alaska

50 years after ANCSA passed, contamination still threatens the health of Alaska Natives and limits the use of lands for which they gave up their aboriginal claims.

2022 Alaska comments on WOTUS

Governor Mike Dunleavy submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) opposing the Biden Administration’s proposed changes to the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS).

Values

We make objective decisions, based on science and facts.

We are accountable for our actions and stand proudly behind our work, as individuals and as an organization.

We perform to the highest standards and produce transparent and consistent regulatory actions to show our integrity.

We support and encourage collaboration across programs and partners to meet challenges and further our collective mission.

We strive to provide excellent customer service both inside and outside of the organization by being professional, responsive, reliable, and respectful.