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Erich W. Bretthauer
Biography
[EPA press release - February 2, 1990]
President Bush has announced his intention to nominate Erich W. Bretthauer as EPA's Assistant Administrator for Research and Development. Bretthauer will oversee the agency's research, development and demonstration programs.
EPA Administrator William K. Reilly said, "Few issues for EPA are as important as assuring that the best possible scientific data is available to support the Agency's regulatory and other decisions. We have ambitious plans to strengthen this capability and thus it is crucial we have someone at the helm of our research office with Erich's vision and skills. He is an excellent manager with a solid background in research and development. His success in managing EPA's bioremediation project in Alaska after the tragic Exxon Valdez oil spill is testimony to the outstanding contributions Erich will make to environmental improvement."
Bretthauer has served as Acting Assistant Administrator of the Office of Research and Development since November 1988. From September 1987 to November 1988, he was Deputy Assistant Administrator of that office. Bretthauer began his federal career in 1962 as a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Public Health Service. He has held senior positions at EPA headquarters, as well as serving as the Director of the EPA laboratory in Las Vegas, Nevada. From January 1981 to October 1982, he held a Congressional Fellowship with and also served as a professional staff assistant of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
In 1979, Bretthauer received the EPA Gold Medal for directing the Agency's emergency radiological monitoring program at Three Mile Island.
Bretthauer received his bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Bretthauer is married to the former Sharlene Stimpson. They have four children: Terrance, residing in Nevada; Anthony, a resident of Texas; Heidi, attending Colorado State University; and Erich II, a junior in high school.