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Conserving, improving, and protecting Alaska's natural resources and environment to enhance the health, safety, and economic and social well-being of Alaskans.

The chief executive office of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation provides agency direction and administration and is policy liaison with the Governor's Office and Legislature.

Welcome

Commissioner Emma Pokon
Deputy Commissioner Christina Carpenter

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 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.
Alaska Opposes EPA 404(c) Veto
Alaska opposes EPA’s proposal to unilaterally and preemptively veto mining on state-owned lands. EPA disregards the robust, science-based permitting programs ensuring mining is conducted in an environmentally sound manner and would rob Alaskans of significant economic opportunity.
Multi-State Opposition to EPA 404(c) Veto
Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming stand together in opposing EPA’s veto of resource development. Noting that EPA’s action directly contradicts President Biden’s stated renewable energy goals, the states highlight the detrimental impact this type of wild card regulating has on the investment climate and trust in government.
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.

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