EPA Administrator Michael Regan says he will reconsider how the agency organizes its resources to promote environmental justice (EJ) and will offer guidance to EPA regions and states to ensure consistency implementing any future changes, while also touting his plans for tackling per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In a keynote speech March 16 for the Environmental Council of the States' (ECOS) virtual spring meeting - his first such remarks beyond his March 11 swearing-in ceremony - Regan said he is particularly excited to focus on EJ matters because as the agency addresses a diverse range of complex issues, "if we can protect the least amongst us, we can create a rising tide that elevates the level of environmental protection and equity for every American." He voiced support for strong partnerships with states, and reiterated President Joe Biden's government-wide climate action agenda and commitment to place science at the center of government decision-making, as well as to EJ efforts. Biden has made elevating the role of EJ a top priority for EPA and across the federal government, and Regan suggested potential changes to how the agency uses its resources to promote the issue.
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