On March 10th, the U.S. Senate confirmed Michael Regan as the 16th Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator. Regan, who started his career at the EPA before leaving to work at the Environmental Defense Fund, was approved 66-34.
During his confirmation hearing, Regan pledged to "follow the science and the law" in crafting energy and climate rules as part of President Joe Biden’s approach to combatting climate change.
As EPA Administrator, Regan will oversee the development of rules targeting new and existing fossil fuel-fired power plants, oil and gas operations, vehicle emission standards, and federally protected waters. The confirmation was cheered by environmental groups and industry trade organizations alike.
The American Petroleum Institute noted its plans to work with the EPA to address problems such as climate change.
"We are committed to partnering with the EPA to advance a commonsense, durable regulatory approach aimed at addressing the risks of climate change, protecting public health and continuing to improve air and water quality," API President and CEO Mike Sommers said.