Environmental Community Letter Supporting Michael Regan's Nomination as EPA Administrator

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Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, Chairman Carper and Ranking Member Capito:

On behalf of our collective millions of members and supporters, we write in full support of the nomination of Michael Regan to be the next Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Michael Regan’s proven track record in advancing common-sense environmental policies and his commitment to environmental justice make him an outstanding candidate to lead EPA and ensure a healthier future for the nation.

Mr. Regan’s nomination comes at a critical time for our country as we face serious crises. From climate change, to a pandemic exacerbated by pollution levels weakening respiratory health, this moment calls for decisive action and strong leadership to protect public health and help build an equitable pollution-free economy of the future. At the same time and with the same urgency, leaders must finally address systemic racism and the environmental injustices it creates in communities all around the country. Communities of color have been forced to bear a radically disproportionate health burden from pollution and toxic chemicals as a result of discrimination in housing, economic opportunity and misused infrastructure investment. As the new administration prioritizes equity across its agencies’ policies, EPA’s leadership will play a key role in addressing these injustices. To do so, the EPA administrator must prioritize clean energy jobs for communities that need them the most, combating the rising impacts of climate change, cleaning up decades of pollution in neglected communities and providing a just transition for areas dependent on fossil fuel jobs.

As North Carolina’s top environmental official, Regan has demonstrated that he is up to the task and has the experience to prove it. He has a fundamental respect for science and environmental protection and has shown a talent for engaging diverse interests in collaborative processes that yield strong, durable outcomes—such as negotiating an historic coal ash settlement with Duke Energy.
He also has intimate familiarity with PFAS contamination discharged by the chemical giant Chemours, which should serve him well in tackling the PFAS crisis nationally.

Mr. Regan’s ability to navigate complicated political questions and to bring people with diverse backgrounds and interests together make him an ideal fit to lead EPA during this critical time as this administration unifies the nation. His background and experience in North Carolina gives him the necessary tools to work with both political parties, other agencies and Congress to address the crises our country is facing. If confirmed, Mr. Regan will play a central role in protecting public health for all Americans. He is the right person to protect public health, eliminate pollution and help the Biden Administration meet the goals of an equitable and just transition to a clean and prosperous economy. We urge the Senate to swiftly confirm this highly qualified nominee.

Sincerely,