Why Michael Regan backed down on environmental justice promises
Despite a promising start, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency head Michael Regan has faced setbacks in tackling environmental racism due to political and legal pressures.
Vann R. Newkirk II reports for The Atlantic.
In short:
- Michael Regan's initial push to address environmental racism in areas like Cancer Alley was met with hope from affected communities.
- Legal battles and political backlash, especially from conservative groups, have forced the EPA to scale back its civil rights investigations.
- The fight over environmental justice has become a battleground for broader racial and political issues, with Regan walking a fine line between progress and caution.
Key quote:
“It’s worrisome that there are certain interests in this country that are trying to take power away from the very folks that need protection from environmental injustices.”
— Michael Regan, EPA administrator
Why this matters:
The environmental and health stakes here are high — marginalized communities continue to bear the brunt of pollution, and without decisive action, the systemic racism baked into environmental policy persists. Read more: New EPA regulations mean a closer eye on the nation’s petrochemical hub.
