Remarks for the National Environmental Museum and Education Center Celebration, As Prepared for Delivery
Michael Regan
Washington, DC
Thank you, Gabriel, for that great introduction...we are keeping our commitment to ensure that young people always have a seat at EPA’s table.
Young leaders like Gabriel remind us that our future is bright!
It’s so great to be here today and I must say it is great to be here with some former EPA administrators and deputy administrators...it’s not every day that we’re all in one place.
From the gravity of the decisions, we make to the impact our actions have on millions of lives across this country, I’m honored to stand alongside each of you and proud of our collective work to advance EPA’s mission.
I’m so proud that EPA’s National Environmental Museum and Education Center features quotes from every former EPA Administrator since the inception of our Agency.
Whether appointed by a Democratic or Republican president, we are members of a small group of people fortunate enough to lead this special agency...and we have done our best to uphold its mission to protect public health, and the environment.
I’d also like to thank EPA’s career staff, whose consistency and dedication to EPA has continued to push our agency forward.
I am grateful for Kimberly Patrick, Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Mission Support. Thank you for being here and thank you for your leadership.
We’re also grateful to have Sarah Espinoza of the National Environmental Education Foundation, with us today as well as Ms. Vernice Miller Travis, cofounder of WeAct and Executive Vice President at the Metropolitan Group.
Thank you both for your leadership.
Folks, it’s truly an honor to lead the United States Environmental Protection Agency—an agency with an extraordinarily rich history.
From its founding in 1970 to the implementation of the Clean Air Act...
From our actions to tackle climate change...to our fight ensuring all communities equally benefit from the protections of our environmental laws...
From the scientists and researchers who test air and water quality for safety...to the EPA emergency response personnel who are on the ground cleaning up after natural and environmental disasters....
EPA’s Environmental and Education Museum encapsulates our agency’s rich history and celebrates the many heroes who are part of it.
Folks, history is empowering. Acknowledging and understanding the past is vital for moving forward... creating a safer, healthier future.
And while climate change is undoubtedly the greatest environmental challenge of our generation, our nation has experienced major challenges before...
From the Cuyahoga River repeatedly catching fire, to the BP oil spill...to the Flint Water Crisis that sparked a national movement to remove lead pipes from all communities...
History has shown us that, EPA can and will be central to addressing our greatest challenges.
And this museum is a true testament to that! The intentionality of the space, and how purposeful each element of EPA’s story is truly amazing!
The National Environmental Museum and Education Center is a space to celebrate EPA’s history.
It’s a space for exploration and education—welcoming curious minds as young as ten, and older adults alike...
and it’s a space that pays homage to the public servants, activists, and everyday people who have worked tirelessly to safeguard public health and ensure our nation’s treasured land and waters are protected for generations to come.
I hope you all will take some time to tour the museum, and learn more, not just about EPA, but also about the collective work of environmental justice communities, Tribes, and everyday people...
Everyday people who set out to make a small difference in the world, and whose work, sacrifice, and legacy are now memorialized for years to come.
Check out the artifacts...the exhibits on PFAS...on air quality...on emergency response, and as you walk through the space, I hope you will feel like you are a part of our history.
The journey to get to where we are today was long and not easy, but it’s proof that if we work together, we can overcome anything.
I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the countless people who had a hand in bringing the National Environmental Museum and Education Center to the finish line.
To Deputy Administrator McCabe...thank you for your exceptional leadership in steering the museum project to a successful completion.
And you had a wonderful partner in Joanne Amorosi, who led the development of the museum.
Joanne, thank you for your years of dedication and leadership. We could not be here today without your tireless efforts.
I’d also like to thank The Smithsonian Institution, GSA, and EPA’s Alumni Association for their partnership.
Folks, this museum has been years in the making, and it started with a vision from Administrator Gina McCarthy. I’m so grateful for her vision and leadership.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of that fight...from the EPA career staff...to the activists...to the everyday people...may we continue to work together to build a cleaner and healthier future for all.
Thank you!