Appointments
Richard W. Sprott
Richard (Rick) Sprott was appointed Executive Director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality in May 2007. Prior to assuming his current assignment he was Director of the Utah Division of Air Quality since December 2000. Some of his major policy interests include energy and climate, mercury, water body protection, hazardous waste management, productive remediation actions, focusing on environmental results, global and regional solutions, and environmental partnerships.
Mr. Sprott came to the department in 1994 as a permit writer in the Division of Air Quality. He subsequently served as manager of the Permitting Branch and Planning Branch. While Director he focused the staff on air quality outcomes, implemented an integrated data system, greatly expanded public outreach, increased community-based health actions, and oversaw several major regulatory efforts including mercury emissions and health standards. He also initiated partnerships with other agencies and industry sectors to include federal land agencies, oil and gas producers, agriculture, and utilities.
Prior to joining the Division of Air Quality, Mr. Sprott was a career Air Force officer who served in a variety of assignments related to aerospace maintenance and acquisition. He held three command positions.
Mr. Sprott received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Grinnell College in 1968 and a Masters of Environmental Management from Duke University in 1994.
He has been a member of the Air and Waste Management Association since 1993, was a member of its Board of Directors from 2003 to 2006, Vice President in 2006, and has been elected President for 2009.
Mr. Sprott and his wife, Cindy, live in Kaysville, UT and enjoy Utah's winter and summer outdoor sports.
