The new Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, Michael S. Regan, is quite familiar with GW environmental programs, being one of our grads himself. Administrator Regan, who was overwhelmingly confirmed by the U.S. Senate on March 10, 2021, received his Master of Public Administration degree from GW’s Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration, an important affiliate of the EEMI, in 2004.
Before his appointment to head the EPA, Administrator Regan served as the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. In North Carolina, he spearheaded the development and implementation of that state’s plan to address climate change and transition the state to a clean energy economy. In doing so, he oversaw the largest coal ash clean-up in U.S. history and led complex negotiations regarding the clean-up of the Cape Fear River that had been contaminated for many years by toxic chemicals.
Mr. Reagan also is a former national program manager at the Environmental Defense Fund, where he developed strategic solutions with industry and corporate stakeholders to reduce air pollution, improve energy efficiency, and address climate change.
Before earning his degree at GW, Mr. Regan graduated from the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth and Environmental Science.