SACRAMENTO -- The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today unanimously appointed Michael Kenny, the Board's General Counsel, as its new Executive Officer. Kenny will assume his new duties on August 16, 1996.

ARB Chairman John Dunlap said, "Mike Kenny was the perfect choice for the executive officer post. During his six years with the ARB, Mike has made substantial contributions to maintaining the ARB position as the nation's leader in improving air quality. We all look forward to working with him in his new position."

As Executive Officer, Kenny, 41, will be responsible for the agency's day-to-day operation, including directing the staff to carry out Board policy, assisting its members and overseeing preparation of technical material for Board consideration. The Executive Officer also reviews legislative proposals and represents the ARB before other governmental agencies, public and private organizations and the Legislature.

A graduate of University of San Diego School of Law, Kenny was appointed ARB General Counsel in January 1990. During his tenure he has advised the board on a number of significant measures, including the Low Emission Vehicle program, cleaner-burning gas and the adoption of the State Implementation Plan.

Prior to his appointment to the ARB, he served as Enforcement Counsel at the Fair Political Practices Commission and a Deputy District Attorney for San Joaquin County.

The California Air Resources Board is widely recognized as the nation's leading state air pollution control agency, with an annual budget of over $108 million and more than 900 employees. The Board has set some of the nation's most advanced ambient air quality standards and developed some of the most innovative emission reduction strategies for cars, trucks and buses. The ARB also sets emission standards that are often adopted by other states and nations for fuels, consumer products and toxic air contaminants.

Mr. Kenny replaces James Boyd, who resigned from the position earlier this month.