Wake Forest University’s Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability is set to host an event featuring two former Environmental Protection Agency leaders on March 25. The event, titled “The Future of Environmental Protection: An Evening with Gina McCarthy and Janet McCabe,” will take place at 7 p.m. in Farrell Hall’s Broyhill Auditorium. It is free and open to the public, requiring advance registration.
Gina McCarthy, who served as EPA Administrator under President Obama, will deliver a keynote address reflecting on her extensive experience in environmental protection and public health promotion. Following her speech, she will join Janet McCabe, Deputy EPA Administrator during President Biden’s administration, for a discussion moderated by Stan Meiburg. Meiburg is the former Acting Deputy Administrator of the EPA and currently serves as executive director of the Sabin Center.
The panel aims to explore future priorities in environmental protection, regulatory challenges, and opportunities for collaboration. “Wake Forest is very fortunate to be able to hear from both of these outstanding leaders,” said Meiburg. He emphasized that this moment represents a significant turning point in American environmental policy since the establishment of Earth Day and the EPA in 1970.
McCarthy has been instrumental in advancing climate action through her leadership at the White House Climate Policy Office, contributing to clean energy job creation and investments across the nation. Her efforts were pivotal in crafting climate provisions within key legislative acts aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions significantly by 2030.
Janet McCabe’s career includes serving as Principal Deputy and Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation during Obama’s tenure. She also directed Indiana University’s Environmental Resilience Institute between federal roles.
Stan Meiburg returned to Wake Forest after nearly four decades with the EPA, where he held various senior positions including chairing North Carolina’s Environmental Management Commission.
Media representatives are invited to attend this insightful discussion on future directions for environmental policy.
