Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan has announced that he will be leaving the Biden administration at the end of this year, a month before the presidency changes hands. Although he could serve until Trump’s inauguration, Regan has chosen to leave a few weeks early. In a message to his staff on Friday, he explained his decision, saying, “Today, I am writing to let you know that I will be stepping down from my role as EPA Administrator at the end of the year.”
This news comes as a surprise to many, as Regan has been a key player in the Biden administration’s efforts to combat climate change and protect our environment. He has been at the forefront of the administration’s push for cleaner air, water, and land, and has been a strong advocate for environmental justice and equity. His leadership and dedication to these issues have been instrumental in creating a more sustainable and healthier future for all Americans.
During his time as EPA Administrator, Regan has made significant progress in reversing the harmful policies of the previous administration and setting the country on a path towards a greener and more sustainable future. He has reinstated important regulations and protections, such as the Clean Water Rule and the Clean Power Plan, that were rolled back under the Trump administration. He has also taken steps to strengthen the EPA’s enforcement of environmental laws and hold polluting industries accountable for their actions.
Under Regan’s leadership, the EPA has also made significant strides in addressing environmental justice. He has worked to ensure that marginalized communities, who are often disproportionately affected by pollution and environmental hazards, are given a voice and have their concerns and needs addressed. He has also made diversity and inclusion a priority within the agency, recognizing the importance of having a diverse and representative workforce in achieving environmental justice and protecting our planet.
Regan’s departure is a loss for the EPA and for the Biden administration, but his impact will continue to be felt even after he leaves. He has laid a strong foundation for the agency to continue its crucial work in protecting our environment and tackling the climate crisis. His dedication and passion for these issues have inspired many and have set an example for future leaders in the environmental field.
As we bid farewell to Administrator Regan, we must also look towards the future with hope and determination. President-elect Biden has promised to make the fight against climate change a top priority of his administration, and we can be confident that he will choose a capable and dedicated individual to lead the EPA in Regan’s absence. We must also remember that the fight for a cleaner and more sustainable world is not the responsibility of one person or administration, but a collective effort that requires the commitment of all individuals, communities, and governments.
As we move forward, we must continue to support and advocate for strong environmental policies and hold our leaders accountable for their actions. We must also do our part in our daily lives to reduce our carbon footprint and protect our planet for future generations. We owe it to ourselves and to the planet to continue the important work that Administrator Regan and the EPA have started.
In his message to staff, Regan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as EPA Administrator and his confidence in the agency’s ability to continue its important work. He said, “It has been an honor to serve as your Administrator and I am proud of the work we have accomplished together. I am confident that this agency will continue to make progress towards a healthier and more sustainable future for all.”
As we say goodbye to Administrator Regan, let us thank him for his service and commitment to protecting our environment. Let us also continue to push for a cleaner and more sustainable future, knowing that his legacy will live on through our actions. As he prepares to depart, let us wish him all the best in his future endeavors and thank him for his invaluable contributions to the fight against climate change.
