Administrator Michael Regan Message to EPA Employees - EPA's International Environmental Priorities March 29, 2022
Dear Colleagues,
EPA’s international reputation as the gold standard for environmental protection is built on the innovative, ground-breaking, and standard-setting efforts of each of our offices and regions. At the same time, we all know that pollution does not respect national boundaries, and environmental challenges such as the climate crisis cannot be successfully addressed by the United States alone.
On March 30-31, I will be co-chairing the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Environment Ministers Meeting where the environment ministers of the 38 OECD member countries, will gather for the first time in six years under the overarching theme “Ensuring a Resilient and Healthy Environment for All.”
EPA has a responsibility to work with the international community to ensure a healthy future, protect the global commons, support a robust and sustainable economy creating good jobs, and advance strong environmental governance by deploying our expertise and innovation. Building on EPA’s long history of international collaboration, EPA will provide leadership with our partners consistent with EPA’s five broad international environmental priorities:
- Combatting the Climate Crisis;
- Advancing the Values of Environmental Justice and Equity;
- Addressing Transboundary Pollution in North America and Globally;
- Building Environmental Infrastructure, a Green Economy and Green Jobs; and,
- Strengthening Environmental Governance by deploying EPA Expertise and Innovation.
EPA’s international environmental priorities are grounded in the goals and successes of this agency’s domestic authorities and mandates. The OECD Environment Ministerial is a platform to share the energy and effectiveness of EPA’s approach, and to push for truly sustainable and inclusive economic and environmental policy around the world. The agenda for the Environment Ministerial is reflective of the scope and scale of environmental challenges facing the world and the need for the international community to take strong, urgent and transformative action to address climate change, halt and reverse biodiversity loss, and use resources more efficiently.
The OECD meeting comes at an important moment when international cooperation and standing up for democracy are paramount. I am horrified by Russia’s actions, the loss of so many innocent lives, and the devastation in Ukraine. EPA is poised to help rebuild Ukraine’s environmental infrastructure and institutions, as EPA did 30 years ago in the former Soviet Bloc countries. We will do what is needed to assist the government and the people of Ukraine.
Read the full text of EPA’s International Priorities. By advancing our international priorities, we are also advancing EPA’s domestic mandates. I’ve asked Jane Nishida, Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs, to be our lead in close coordination with EPA offices and regions, to take effective action now to advance our international priorities.
I am proud to be working with you as we protect human health and the environment both here in the United States and across our shared planet.
Sincerely,
Michael S. Regan
Administrator