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Environmental Progress - Fall 1998

Illinois EPA Air Chief Earns Kudos From U.S. EPA

"Special Achievement Award" for leadership goes to Bharat Mathur

David Kee and Bharat Mathur (18K)
David Kee, left, with Bharat Mathur

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 presented its 1998 "special achievement award" for leadership in administering the requirements of the federal Clean Air Act to Bharat Mathur, chief of the Bureau of Air for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

EPA presents the award annually to an outstanding state or local air pollution control official in the multi-state region.

David Kee, director of the regional Air and Radiation Division for U.S. EPA, made a surprise presentation of the award to Mathur during a meeting at Illinois EPA headquarters in Springfield.

"Mr. Mathur has been vital to the development of Illinois' enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance program that will test more than 2 million vehicles per year and help the Chicago and St. Louis areas meet the clean air standards," Kee commented.

Region 5 Acting Administrator David Ullrich also sent a congratulatory letter. "In making this selection, U.S. EPA recognizes that Illinois' air pollution control program is one of the most complex in the country and a considerable amount has been accomplished through your direction and exceptional efforts," he wrote.

Among the specific accomplishments, Ullrich cited the development and implementation of the 15 percent and 9 percent rate of progress plans and the Illinois Emission Reduction Market System.

"Your work represents a high level of dedication, perseverance, and accomplishment in implementing many difficult and complex programs for improving air quality and protecting public health," Ullrich added.