New role for NSW EPA CEO Tony Chappel

EPA

The NSW EPA would like to thank Tony Chappel for his strong and influential leadership over the past four years, with the announcement today that he will depart the state’s independent regulator next month to take up a role as the new Chair and Chief Executive Officer at the Clean Energy Regulator. 

Mr Chappel oversaw a period of landmark regulatory reform and environmental stewardship which will have positive implications for the environment and communities for decades to come.

The well-respected leader oversaw multiple achievements including:

  • Introduced the EPA’s 2023 Climate Change and Action Plan and supported the NSW Government’s 2025 NSW Guide for Large Emitters, ensuring climate change considerations are at the forefront of the NSW planning process.
  • Guided the expansion of regulatory powers to prevent environmental harm, hold polluters to account and prosecute environmental criminals
  • Led the delivery of the nation’s first battery product stewardship scheme to reduce deadly fires
  • Ensured Aboriginal voices, cultures and knowledges are heard and acted on through the EPA’s Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal Peoples and Respect for Country reforms
  • Rebuilt critical specialist and high-risk regulatory capabilities for the NSW EPA, to bolster frontline compliance activity

EPA Board Chair Carolyn Walsh said: “Tony Chappel has been at the forefront of efforts to regulate industry, reduce environmental harm and drive transformation in the circular economy. He is a visionary and purpose-driven leader who has made a tangible difference to improving the lives of communities by holding polluters to account through landmark prosecutions and introducing state changing stewardship programs.” 

“On behalf of the Board, we thank Tony for his service to the state and congratulate him on the exciting opportunity to deliver meaningful change in his new CEO and Chair role at the Clean Energy Regulator.”

“We also thank Nancy Chang for stepping into the interim role of NSW EPA CEO. Prior to her current role in The Cabinet Office, Nancy was the Executive Director of Regulatory Policy, Initiatives and Advice at the EPA for close to five years and will provide stability for EPA staff, along with the existing strong leadership of the EPA's executive team.”

Nancy Chang will commence in the role on 14 September. A formal Board recruitment process for a new NSW EPA CEO will begin shortly.

The Australian Government's announcement regarding Mr Chappel's appointment to lead the national regulator can be found here: https://minister.dcceew.gov.au/bowen/media-releases/tony-chappel-appointed-new-clean-energy-regulator-chair-and-ceo