Smog Chief to Resign, Take Private Job

Jeb Stuart, the executive officer of the South Coast Air Quality Management District is resigning his $80,000-a-year post to become a private consultant representing clients with business before the district.

Stuart, 63, has held the job since the formation of the district nine years ago. The district includes Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. It employs 500 people and has an annual budget of $30 million.

The resignation comes at a time when the district is faced with tough decisions on proposed air pollution control strategies, including proposals which would impose stricter and more expensive regulations governing the emissions of oxides of nitrogen--one of the key ingredients of photochemical smog.

Nationwide Talent Search

Larry Berg, a member of the governing board and its personnel committee, said Wednesday that he tried unsuccessfully to persuade Stuart to remain until that issue was resolved. Berg called for a nationwide talent search to replace Stuart.

Stuart said he has been approached by private interests, whom he would not identify, but he said he expects to represent firms involved in waste to energy projects which require operating permits from the district. He said he agreed only to talk with them after his resignation becomes effective May 3.