EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson Promotes a More Inclusive Environmental Movement

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EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson Promotes a More Inclusive Environmental Movement

by Michelle J. Nealy , April 22, 2009

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Lisa Jackson, the first African-American to serve as head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is committed to diversifying the landscape of environmental advocacy, which is often defined by the contributions of White Americans.

While in the midst of preparing for a busy Earth Day, Jackson spoke with Diverse about a few of her forthcoming plans for the agency. Among them are reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, managing chemical risks, cleaning up hazardous waste sites, and protecting America’s water.

“We are trying to make sure that the American people understands that the EPA hears them,” said Jackson. “They want a clean environment. The want healthy air. They want clean drinking water, and we are going be there to help provide those things. A cleaner and healthier world, that is our core business.”

Before becoming EPA’s Administrator, Jackson served as chief of staff to New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine. Prior to that, she was appointed by Corzine to be commissioner of the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in 2006.

Here is an excerpt from Diverse’s interview with Jackson.

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Comments posted here may be reprinted in Diverse: Issues In Higher Education magazine, and may be edited for purposes of clarity and/or space.

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