Michael Regan, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will be leaving the agency on December 31, just three weeks before the end of President Joe Biden’s term. In a letter to agency employees, Regan highlighted the EPA’s work under his leadership to confront climate change, restrict air and water pollution, and spend billions of dollars to spur clean energy development. He noted that these efforts have led to significant economic and public health benefits for communities burdened by pollution. Regan, the first Black man to head the EPA, also emphasized the agency’s focus on environmental justice during his tenure.
Regan, a North Carolina native who previously led the state’s Department of Environmental Quality, will be returning to the state with his family. Jane Nishida, the EPA’s assistant administrator for the Office of International and Tribal Affairs, will serve as acting administrator for the remaining weeks of the term, with Regan’s chief of staff, Dan Utech, serving as acting deputy administrator. Democratic Senator Tom Carper of Delaware praised Regan for his leadership at the EPA, commending him for his efforts to restore morale, emphasize science and enforcement, and address the mass departure of employees during the previous administration.
Carper highlighted Regan’s role in securing funding from major legislation, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, to address environmental challenges. Regan’s leadership led to historic environmental justice policies aimed at protecting the health and well-being of all Americans. Regan expressed gratitude to President Biden for the opportunity to lead the EPA and reflected on the agency’s achievements over the past four years, including efforts to remove lead pipes, address forever chemicals like PFAS, and reinvigorate enforcement actions against polluters.
Under Regan’s leadership, the EPA made significant progress in banning dangerous chemicals and responding to environmental and public health emergencies across the country. The agency also focused on hiring new employees, including scientists who had left during the previous administration. Looking ahead, Regan acknowledged the ongoing work of the EPA in delivering public health and environmental protections for all Americans. While the future of environmental regulations remains uncertain, Regan expressed optimism in the commitment of the agency’s staff to continue their important work in safeguarding the environment and public health.
In the midst of a changing political landscape, with the upcoming transition to a new administration, Regan’s departure marks the end of a chapter at the EPA. His tenure was marked by a focus on addressing environmental challenges, promoting environmental justice, and restoring the agency’s morale and effectiveness. As Regan passes the baton to interim leadership at the EPA, the legacy of his work will continue to shape the agency’s priorities and actions in the years to come. With a renewed emphasis on science, enforcement, and environmental justice, the EPA will continue its mission to protect the environment and public health for future generations.
