Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet
Governor Fletcher appoints deputy secretary of Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 26, 2006) - Lloyd Cress, who has served as commissioner of the Department for Environmental Protection since January 2004, has been appointed deputy secretary of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC) by Governor Ernie Fletcher.

Cress, who brought three decades of environmental law and regulatory experience to Governor Fletcher’s administration, will help direct a cabinet with oversight responsibility in several fields - air and water quality, waste management, forestry, conservation, mining, oil and gas drilling, banking, insurance, utilities, alcoholic beverages, charitable gaming, building, labor, horse racing, boxing and wrestling.

"Lloyd Cress brings a wealth of legal and administrative experience to the Secretary’s Office," EPPC Secretary Teresa J. Hill said. "His leadership of the Department for Environmental Protection has produced initiatives to build strong communities and healthy Kentuckians."

Before joining the administration, Cress was director of environmental affairs for the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, helping forge partnerships between industry and environmental interests to clean up polluted areas of the state.

He also has served as environmental counsel for Ashland Inc., as general counsel for the former Kentucky water and air pollution control commissions - two of the predecessor agencies of EPPC - and as an assistant state attorney general.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with Secretary Hill in promoting a better future for all Kentuckians," said Cress.

Cress’ appointment is effective Nov. 1. He succeeds John Clay, whom Governor Fletcher appointed to the Kentucky Public Service Commission. Cress will continue to direct the Department for Environmental Protection as acting commissioner until a successor is appointed.

Cress is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and its College of Law. He lives in Lexington with his wife, U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell.