Michael Regan is Biden’s Pick to Head the Environmental Protection Agency
Written by Andy McCormick
Michael S. Regan
“Michael Regan is exactly the kind of person we need at the top of the EPA, he cares deeply about people and the environment and will work with anyone to solve a problem,” said David Yarnold, president and CEO of the National Audubon Society. “He is the kind of leader we need to get our country on track to address the threat of climate change, the increasing biodiversity crisis that includes the loss of 3 billion birds, and the massive inequities in how we protect communities from pollution and environmental degradation.”
With that statement the National Audubon Society brought its support to Michael Regan as the next Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, which is celebrating its 50th year in service of protecting our environment. If confirmed by the Senate, Mr. Regan will be the first Black American man to serve in this position. Lisa P. Jackson, the first African American EPA Administrator, was a chemical engineer who began her work at the EPA in 1987 and later served as EPA Administrator from January 26, 2009 to February 14, 2013.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
The movement for environmental justice has increased awareness of the disproportionate burden of the effects of environmental problems borne by vulnerable populations including those living in communities of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color. Systemic racism has influenced the placement of toxic waste dumps, dirtying of the air from oil and gas refineries, and pollution of drinking water such as the change in water supply in Flint, MI. A renewed focus on issues of justice for all Americans to enjoy clean air and water, and a natural environment will direct the work of the EPA to serve all Americans.
Mr. Regan has a track record of addressing environmental injustice over many years. The website for the National Resources Defense Council documents some of his experience. For the past three years Mr. Regan has served as the Director of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. While there he reached an agreement with Duke Energy to clean up the largest coal ash dump in the country and prevented PFAS chemicals from polluting the Cape Fear River.
MORE ENDORSEMENTS
Mr. Regan has also been endorsed by the Sierra Club which noted that he rejected the fracked gas Mountain Valley Pipeline extension in North Carolina. The endorsement by Earth Justice President Abigail Dillen predicted that Mr. Regan is expected to “play a key role in solving the climate crisis and protecting the health of all communities.”
Mr. Regan has previous experience working for the EPA under both Presidents Clinton and Bush. He has a reputation for “working across the aisle” with both Democrats and Republicans and is known as a listener. His nomination is supported by senators from both parties.
Photo credit by Mikael Korhonen