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Statement on Passing of Peter Lord, Environmental Reporter for Providence Journal

Release Date: 04/06/2012
Contact Information: David Deegan, (617) 918-1017

(Boston, Mass. – April 6, 2012) – Many of us at EPA New England are saddened at the loss of long-time Providence Journal environmental reporter, Peter Lord. His decades of reporting on environmental issues in Rhode Island and New England illuminated not only local concerns, but also gave context to national and international environmental topics that affect our lives.

Its not an overstatement to say Peter helped teach generations of Rhode Islanders about the importance of preserving Block Island, the risks to children’s health posed by lead paint, and scores of other environmental subjects. He mentored many younger journalists to aspire to his curiosity, his integrity and his keen writing style.

As a long-time Rhode Islander involved in conservation issues first with Save the Bay and now leading the U.S. EPA’s New England efforts, Peter was always admired. His stories educated all of us on important work and topics. He was always fair minded in approaching complicated issues, and he always posed the right questions to get to the core of the story he was writing.

We will miss him as a fellow colleague concerned with helping to ensure a clean and healthy environment for our families, our children and their kids. Our office and I personally, send our heartfelt condolences to his family and many colleagues who mourn his loss.

Later this month, EPA New England will honor Peter Lord with a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at our annual Environmental Merit Award Ceremony.

Curt Spalding
Regional Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 1