Governor Mills Thanks Chief Legal Counsel Derek Langhauser for Service to Maine

Statement

Governor Janet Mills today thanked Chief Legal Counsel Derek Langhauser for his service to the State of Maine. Langhauser, who has served as the Governor's Chief Legal Counsel since she assumed office in January of 2019, will leave his position on August 31, 2020.

Governor Mills also announced today that Jerry Reid, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), will replace Langhauser as Chief Legal Counsel, effective August 31, 2020. Prior to leading the DEP, Reid served in the Maine Attorney General's Office for 24 years, including as Chief of the Office's Natural Resources Division for the preceding 12 years.

"Derek is a trusted advisor and cherished friend. His wise counsel throughout my administration, and particularly during this pandemic, has been truly invaluable," said Governor Mills. "It is with gratitude and great sadness that we have come to accept his departure from this office. I will miss him."

"The time has come for me to spend more time with my family, and I leave grateful for the opportunity to contribute and very pleased that Jerry has been chosen to succeed me," said Langhauser. "It has been a privilege to work for the Governor, whose thoughtful and pragmatic leadership I have always admired, and to have served the state during a time of such consequence."

"It was a great privilege to serve as Commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, particularly during the first two years of the Mills Administration," said Reid. "I'm proud of what we were able to accomplish during that time and am excited for the opportunity to work with the Governor in this new role."

"I am excited to welcome Jerry to the Governor's Office," continued Governor Mills. "He led DEP ably, and I am grateful he has agreed to continue his service as my Chief Legal Counsel."

Under Commissioner Reid's leadership, DEP established sustenance fishing as a designated use of certain waters of significance to Maine's tribal communities, upgraded the classification of more than 400 miles of river and stream segments, implemented first-in-the-nation limits on sludge spreading to address threats posed by PFAS contamination; and strengthened citizen oversight of the DEP by restoring authority to the Board of Environmental Protection.

The Governor has appointed Melanie Loyzim, Deputy Commissioner of DEP, to serve as Acting Commissioner.

Prior to serving as Governor Mills' Chief Legal Counsel, Langhauser served as General Counsel and President of the Maine Community College System. He also clerked for two Maine Supreme Court Justices and served as constitutional counsel to Governor John McKernan for four years and U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe for fourteen years. Over the years, his advice has also been sought by the administrations of Governors Angus King and John Baldacci, several Attorneys General, and numerous legislative leaders.

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