The Port of Los Angeles has appointed Christopher Cannon as its new director of environmental management. Cannon has worked at the port for several years as a consultant, most recently helping to manage the implementation and daily operation of the Clean Truck Program. Cannon replaces Ralph Appy, who retired earlier this year.
“Chris’ strong background in environmental regulations, managing multijurisdictional environmental review and technical permitting projects – coupled with his legal background and experience with regulatory agencies and public officials – make him an outstanding choice to lead the Environmental Management Division into the future,” says Mike Christensen, deputy executive director of development.
In his new role, Cannon will be responsible for balancing commerce and growth with ecological sustainability. The division assesses environmental impacts of development projects and determines appropriate mitigation measures. It also prepares and distributes any environmental documentation mandated by state and federal law; special studies involving dredging, noise abatement, water quality and air quality; contamination characterizations; wildlife management; and establishment of policies regarding environmental quality issues.
Before his work on the Clean Truck Program, Cannon worked with the port’s Environmental Management Division’s Air Quality and CEQA groups, supporting the development of key air projects such as the Clean Air Action Plan and its efforts to complete critical environmental impact reports for port-related projects.
Cannon has 21 years of experience in the environmental services industry, working on a range of projects while employed by Environ International Corp. and TRC Environmental Solutions. Cannon also spent two years as a legislative assistant for environmental policy on the Washington, D.C. staff of U.S. Rep. Martin Sabo of Minnesota.
