EPA’s Environmental Blueprint: Insights@Meridian with The Honorable Jane Nishida
As communities across the globe are faced with extreme weather events and record-breaking natural disasters, the need to invest in environmental stewardship becomes imperative. Experiences of changing weather conditions transcend both national and international borders, making the importance of cooperation evermore crucial. A singular government or agency can effectively safeguard the environment or address the global climate crisis alone. On July 10, 2024, the Meridian Center for Diplomatic Engagement hosted The Honorable Jane Nishida, Assistant Administrator of International and Tribal Affairs at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, for a robust discussion on how the EPA is fostering stronger transborder collaboration toward a resilient, sustainable future.
TK Harvey, Vice President of Cultural Programs at Meridian International Center, presided over the event. He highlighted the significance of gathering in the White Meyer House Dining Room, surrounded by Meridian’s Mother Earth exhibition, a curation of climate-themed artwork featuring all-female American artists.
Assistant Administrator Nishida was joined by The Honorable Kathleen Doherty, Chief Strategy Officer at the Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands and member of the Meridian Diplomatic Advisory Committee, who moderated the event.
Here are some top takeaways from the program:
1. Technical Expertise and Innovation
The EPA is a central hub of technological and scientific innovation within the federal government, underpinned by the strong research capabilities, technical expertise, and specialized knowledge of its highly skilled 15,000-person workforce. Emphasizing the EPA's robust foundation in sound science, the agency's regulatory decisions are informed by cutting-edge research and advanced technologies. Its laboratories and research centers lead in developing and enforcing regulations that safeguard health and the environment. The agency accounts for one of the largest research divisions within the U.S. government, given its size, with focus areas including PFASPFAS, or “forever chemicals,” and microplastics. The EPA's regulatory decisions are founded on science, ensuring policies are effective, credible, and capable of addressing complex environmental challenges.
2. The Middleman: The EPA’s Role in the U.S. Federal System
Initially created as a mechanism to consolidate governmental environmental efforts, the collaborative nature of the EPA's work involves coordination with state and federal entities to implement national standards in areas such as greenhouse gas emissions while allowing for subnational flexibility in adherence to a given presidential administration’s environmental and climate agenda. The EPA cooperates with other federal agencies and departments such as the Department of Commerce and the Department of Transportation when it comes to the enforcement of these regulations.
The EPA also maintains ten regional offices that foster cooperation at the state level, overseeing and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations while engaging local communities and industries. As a middleman between the state and federal governments, these offices allow the agency to connect more locally, a particularly valuable function as the EPA considers the disproportionate effects that regulatory standards may have on underserved communities and indigenous tribes and peoples. The interaction with tribal nations is significant, given the agency's obligation as a trustee of indigenous lands through treaties. This multi-layered approach ensures that environmental policies are effectively tailored and implemented across diverse jurisdictions, enhancing the overall impact of the EPA's initiatives.
3. Beyond its Domestic Focus: The EPA’s Bilateral and Multilateral Engagement
The EPA’ s international efforts are characterized by robust bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The agency is the lead U.S. interlocutor to the environmental tracks at both the G7 and G20 Summits and the environmental provisions of the United States-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA). At these high-level international forums, the EPA drives discussions on climate adaptation, circular economy, ecosystem preservation, and ocean health, ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated into global economic strategies. Additionally, the EPA’ s bilateral and regional engagements, such as its partnership with Ecuador through their Capacity-Building Programs to strengthen nations’ abilities to meet the commitments outlined in the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFRA-DR) and its successful Memorandum of Understanding with the Brazil Ministry of Environment underscore the agency’s commitment to capacity building and technology sharing.
4. U.S.-China Climate Cooperation
Addressing critical environmental issues has become an avenue for strategic cooperation between China and the United States. Anchored in the Sunnylands Statement leading up to COP28 in November 2023, this framework has been instrumental in forming working groups to advance commitments methane monitoring, emissions reductions, best practices and research innovations. While the Department of State had been lead negotiator, the EPA's collaborative efforts extend to promoting a circular economy and waste reduction initiatives, as well as addressing food loss and waste. Through this structured approach, the EPA not only enhances environmental cooperation with China but also ensures that both nations can share and benefit from technological advancements and regulatory best practices.
5. EPA’s Priority Roadmap
With the U.S. elections approaching, potential shifts in the environmental agenda are anticipated under a new administration. Reflecting on former President Trump's previous withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, U.S. disengagement from climate may occur, but there is reason to believe it may be accompanied by increased investment in the circular economy and sustainability. The EPA plans to focus on climate change mitigation, environmental justice, and infrastructure investment, building on initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Should federal activity decrease, state governments are expected to lead in innovative technology and regulation. The EPA will continue to strengthen regulatory frameworks and enhance private sector partnerships for cost-effective solutions. By maintaining a robust foundation in scientific research and technological advancements, the agency aims to address emerging environmental challenges and safeguard health and natural resources for future generations.
Project summary
| EPA’s Environmental Blueprint: Insights@Meridian with The Honorable Jane Nishida | July 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Number of Attendees: | 14 |
| Impact Areas: | Energy and the Environment, Foreign Policy |
| Program Areas: | Diplomatic Engagement |
| Partners: | Diplomatic Corps, Public Sector |
