The U.S. Senate has confirmed Paige Hallen Hanson to serve as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), placing a seasoned fiscal strategist at the helm of the agency’s nearly $100 billion budget.

Hanson, appointed by President Donald J. Trump, will oversee all financial operations at the EPA, including annual budget development, resource management systems, financial technology, and a team of over 300 employees. The confirmation marks her return to the agency, having previously served as Associate CFO for Policy during the Trump administration’s first term.

"Paige brings a wealth of expertise in complex budgets and over two decades of government and financial experience to EPA,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “She understands the importance of stewarding every cent of taxpayer money and is uniquely and highly qualified to serve.”

Hanson herself underscored the importance of financial operations in enabling the EPA’s mission. “From budgeting to payments, performance measures to financial technology, the work of this talented team enables the critical mission EPA plays in protecting human health and the environment,” she said following her confirmation.

Her career spans both public and private sectors. Before her return to the EPA, Hanson served as a senior fellow at the Tax Foundation and as CFO in the private sector. On Capitol Hill, she held key positions on the Senate Budget Committee, Joint Economic Committee, and as finance policy staff for a member of both the Senate Appropriations and Finance Committees. Hanson holds an MBA from Virginia Tech and a bachelor’s degree in Government and Economics from Wofford College.

Potential Impacts on Drilling:

Industry observers say Hanson’s fiscal leadership at the EPA could have ripple effects across sectors closely tied to federal water and environmental regulations, including the water well, geothermal, and mining drilling industries.

With the agency’s budget nearing $100 billion, strategic financial management could influence how efficiently grant programs and regulatory initiatives are implemented—particularly in areas like groundwater protection, underground injection control (UIC), and permitting for energy and mineral development.

Water well contractors and groundwater professionals will be watching how Hanson oversees funding for programs tied to water quality, source water protection, and PFAS contamination cleanup—all areas with direct implications for private wells and rural water systems.

Similarly, geothermal energy developers could benefit if EPA under Hanson streamlines funding processes and compliance oversight for drilling-related environmental reviews—especially under the Underground Injection Control Program that regulates geothermal reinjection wells.

In the mining sector, where drilling intersects with EPA-supervised environmental assessments and remediation programs, Hanson’s experience with appropriations could bring greater predictability and clarity in how the agency allocates resources for site reviews and reclamation enforcement.

While not a regulator herself, Hanson’s role managing the financial backbone of EPA programs makes her a key player in how effectively the agency supports—or delays—permitting, grant distribution, and rule implementation that directly impact field operations in drilling-intensive industries.

Her confirmation drew enthusiastic support from lawmakers, particularly those from her home state of South Carolina.

“I am very pleased that South Carolina’s own Paige Hanson has been confirmed,” said Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), noting her roots in Lexington and seven-year tenure as a financial policy staffer in the U.S. Senate. “She will be a great asset to Administrator Zeldin and the rest of the agency as they work to return it to its original mission: being good stewards of America’s natural environment while also supporting economic growth.”

Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) echoed that sentiment: “Paige brings proven financial expertise, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to public service… South Carolina is proud to see one of our own take on such an important position.”

Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) praised the appointment as a step forward for the administration’s environmental and energy goals. “Her expertise will advance Administrator Zeldin’s mission of achieving clean water, air, and land for all Americans while unleashing U.S. energy to onshore production, lower costs for families and businesses, and achieve energy dominance.”

Former EPA leaders who worked with Hanson in the past also voiced strong support.

“Paige did a great job as Associate CFO in the first administration,” said former EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “She has the experience and knowledge the agency needs.”

Former Chief of Staff Ryan Jackson added: “She is one of the most conscientious and hard-working individuals with whom I have ever worked.”

With bipartisan fiscal credibility and deep institutional knowledge, Hanson now steps into a critical leadership role as the EPA navigates a growing portfolio of environmental and infrastructure initiatives under its expanded budget—moves that will undoubtedly shape the regulatory and funding landscape for energy and water-related drilling industries nationwide.