John Busterud

At a glance

EPA identifies John W. Busterud as Assistant Administrator for Land and Emergency Management following Senate confirmation in October 2025. His earlier career includes environmental and energy law at Pacific Gas and Electric, Army Reserve service and leadership of EPA’s Pacific Southwest region. The nominee’s testimony distinguishes him from his father, who had the same name.

Summary sources: [1] [3]

Career and documented accomplishments

• EPA reports a Union College bachelor’s degree and a law degree from the University of California, Hastings, along with Army Command and General Staff College training. [1]
• He worked at PG&E from 1985 to 2016, previously led EPA Region 9 and retired from the Army Reserve as a colonel. [1] [2]
• His May 2025 statement explicitly describes his father, also John Busterud, as a former California legislator and Council on Environmental Quality chairman; those are not the nominee’s offices. [2]

Role and nomination context

• OLEM’s responsibilities include Superfund, Brownfields, contamination prevention and land cleanup. Program mandates and regional populations served are not personal accomplishments by the nominee. [1]

Sources and review date

Career and role sources reviewed Oct 14, 2026. These sources may describe developments beyond the nomination snapshot; each nomination entry retains its recorded date and outcome.

1. John Busterud confirmed for EPA Land and Emergency Management

   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Reviewed Oct 14, 2026.

2. John W. Busterud: May 14, 2025 nomination testimony

   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Reviewed Oct 14, 2026.

3. John Busterud appointed Region 9 Administrator, February 2020

   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Reviewed Oct 14, 2026.