BSEE Director James A. Watson Names New Deputy Director

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) Director James A. Watson today announced the selection of Margaret N. Schneider as BSEE Deputy Director. Bob LaBelle, who has served as the Acting Deputy Director since October 1, 2011, will now become Science Advisor at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

“For the past several months as the Senior Advisor to the BSEE Director, Margaret has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to help us develop BSEE into a model offshore regulator,” said Director Watson. “There will be no shortage of challenges ahead for BSEE, but I’m pleased to have someone of Margaret’s character, experience and vision as we move ahead in enforcing safety and environmental protection for offshore oil and gas operations.”

Schneider currently serves as the Senior Advisor to the BSEE Director where she has assisted with policy reviews and managed special projects for the Director. Prior to that, she had a 30 year career with the Environmental Protection Agency serving in positions within the Office of Water, Office of Environmental Information, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance and the Office of the Administrator. Schneider most recently served as the Associate Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water. 

As Deputy Director, Schneider will assist Director Watson with the enforcement of safety and environmental regulations. Responsibilities include all field operations including permitting and research, inspections, offshore regulatory programs, oil spill response, and newly formed training and environmental compliance functions.

Schneider is a graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University and holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Management from Yale University and a Law degree from Georgetown University. She is a member of the District of Columbia Bar.

More information on BSEE, including organization charts and leadership biographies, can be found at http://www.bsee.gov.