In the final exchange, Biden provided the big news by promising to select a woman as his running mate. Ready, set, green light! Political columnist George Skelton has covered government and politics for 60 years and for The Times since 1974. With Provy, hes being true to himself and his religion, Tortorella said. Regan is a native of Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he developed a passion for the environment while hunting and fishing with his father and grandfather, and exploring the vast lands, waters and inner Coastal Plain of North Carolina. As the climate crisis rapidly worsens, Regan must pursue a bold and equitable transition to a pollution-free, 100 percent clean energy economy. He also served under the Environmental Protection Agencys air quality and energy programs for the Clinton and Bush administrations. A native of Goldsboro, N.C., Regan has a bachelors degree in Earth and Environmental Science from N.C. We will prove that environmental protection and economic prosperity go hand in hand - and we will seize this opportunity to create a healthier, more just future for all.". After he survived the assassination attempt, Reagan said he was giving the rest of his life to God, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher recalled in her tribute at the service. Dad, when I go, I will go to heaven, too, he said. We can create new industries that reinvigorate our manufacturing and create high-quality, middle-class jobs in cities and towns across the United States. He renewed the mission of the agency. Ill miss the Democratic presidential debates especially watching Ron Reagan tell us hes a lifelong atheist, not afraid of burning in hell.. He led the Environmental Defense Funds efforts to reduce the impacts of climate change and air quality pollution. "EPA's career officials are the backbone of this agency, and I am humbled to work alongside them as we confront climate change, stand up for justice and equity, and ensure science is at the heart of our decision-making. And where does that strength come from? his Department of Environmental Quality profile, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Profile. In 2001, they sued Rhea County (Tennessee) schools because Bible classes were being held for all students in their elementary schools. As Secretary, he spearheaded the development and implementation of North Carolina's seminal plan to address climate change and transition the state to a clean energy economy. The EPA is critical to Earthjustices mission. Growing up with asthma in eastern North Carolina, Regan saw toxic pollution, agricultural waste and environmental destruction being concentrated near communities of color and low-income communities.. EPA is committed to support efforts to address environmental justice communities under the Biden-Harris Administration, we are excited to support community efforts to address historically challenging issues https://t.co/IrAOV1f9px #EPAEJ #EnvironmentalJustice. What kind of thing is that for a little kid to hear? he asked. Agricultural and Technical State University and a masters degree in Public Administration from George Washington University. I learned kindness; we all did. Regan is married to his wife, Melvina. An official website of the United States government. Clean Air and Water, Clean Energy, Climate Change, Community, Public Health. Follow. He earned his bachelors degree in Earth and Environmental Science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and his masters degree in Public Administration from George Washington University, his profile says. It may be my all-time favorite TV ad, delivered with a slight grin and perfect timing very Reagan-like by the son of the 40th U.S. president. On Thursday, Administrator Regan traveled west to Mossville, LA where he joined residents and community leaders for a tour of sites dealing with the impacts of long-standing pollution and climate change. Later, he traveled to St. John the Baptist Parish and St. James Parish to meet with residents and see firsthand the impacts of pollution from facilities in Cancer Alley.. Prior to that, Regan worked with the Environmental Protection Agencys air quality and energy programs for the Clinton and Bush administrations. As DEQ secretary, Regan oversees the state agency Now he sees his Savior face to face.. He also worked for the EPA during the Bill Clinton and the George W. Bush administrations, according to his Department of Environmental Quality profile. Where is that courage learned? Bush asked. He led complex negotiations regarding the clean-up of the Cape Fear River, which had been contaminated for years by the toxic chemicals per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS). They include the UNC School of Law Center for Climate, Energy, Environment and Economics, Green 2.0, N.C. Commission on Global Climate Change, the N.C. Energy Policy Council and the Executive Steering Committee of Envision Charlotte. He was the secretary of North Carolina's Department of Environmental Quality from 2017 until 2021. The agency functions as an investigative and research body that releases science-based information on emissions, industry pollution, or chemicals to warn the public about risks. Stem cell research got me into being vocal, Ron said. I was 10 years old or so when I concluded that the [Bible] story told to children had little more validity than stories about Santa Claus, another white guy who knows what youre thinking and can punish you, Ron Reagan told me. If we can harness all of our energy and talents, and unmatchable American innovation, we can turn this threat into an opportunity to revitalize the U.S. energy sector and boost growth economy-wide. We work with, and if necessary, challenge the EPA to make sure that rules safeguarding our air, water, and environment are revised when needed, or kept strong when attacked by industry. Throughout his career, he has been guided by a belief in forming consensus, fostering an open dialogue rooted in respect for science and the law, and an understanding that environmental protection and economic prosperity go hand in hand. In 1995, the FFRF sued the state of Wisconsin for designating Good Friday as a state legal holiday, and the federal district court agreed that this constituted a First Amendment violation, because it promoted Christianity. I covered Ronald Reagan up close for 20 years as president, as California governor and in five political campaigns. Please click here to see any active alerts. Isolationism was not an option; neither was protectionism. Ronald Reagan knew his own mind. Its not rocket science, we just have to get to work.. But it also trains people to believe things for which there is no evidence. Ron Reagan, lifelong atheist, not afraid of burning in hell.. https://t.co/8dyr1k7MEx. Later, the Administrator traveled to the Lower Ninth Ward, where he kayaked the Bayou Bienvenue and toured the Sankofa Wetland Park and Nature Trail, where he spent time fishing with residents and discussing their environmental concerns. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Regan and his wife, Melvina, and their son, Matthew, live in Raleigh. For example, they have a Clergy Project, a confidential online group that supports ministers leaving their faith. (202) 564-4700 How did a son of Republicans Ronald and Nancy Reagan become an unabashed atheist? It also reviews marketplace chemicals for public safety. I said I didnt want to be hypocritical, disrespectful and fake it. I also learned courage; the nation did. And this is the group supported by the atheist son of the late President Ronald Reagan. 2023 Southern Baptist Convention. traveled to Mossville, Louisiana to speak with residents and see up close the impacts of pollution from local refineries. He spoke at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in favor of lifting restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research. In the ad, Ron ends saying, Ron Reagan, lifelong atheist, not afraid of burning in Hell., Michael had seen the ad back in 2014, when it ran the first time on Comedy Central. spoke with students, faculty, and staff at Texas Southern Universitys Bullard Center in Houston. visited Jackson, Mississippi to hear firsthand from residents and environmental justice advocates about the water infrastructure challenges facing the city, with stops at the OB Curtis Water Treatment Facility, Wilkins Elementary School and the historic Farish Street District. Read the full article from the Texas Tribune HERE. And perhaps as important as anything, I learned a lot about humor, a lot about laughter.. Earthjustice looks forward to working with Regan Ron Reagan, the 58-year-old son of the late President Ronald Reagan, has been featured in a televised commercial proudly proclaiming his atheist views. He never made an adversary into an enemy. But networks wouldnt touch it, Reagan said. What could be the consequences of the Joe Biden classified documents incident? Climate and Energy, and as Southeast Regional Director of the Environmental Defense Fund where he convened energy companies, business leaders, environmental and industry groups, and elected officials across the country to achieve pragmatic solutions to the climate crisis. He recalled how President Reagan was counting on his fingers up to nine. I dont think she had any powerful religious feelings herself. After watching a performance, President Reagan wrote in his diary that Ron reminded him of Fred Astaire. Congregants rise for a moment of silence during a church service at Bel Air Presbyterian Church, to honor former President Reagan after his death in 2004. A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. On his first day, Administrator Regan committed to working closely with and supporting EPA's dedicated career public servants, restoring the role of science and transparency, addressing climate change, and prioritizing environmental justice. This would not be Regans first time working with the federal agency. And I learned decency; the whole world did. Michael S. Regan was sworn in as the 16th Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency on March 11, 2021, becoming the first Black man and second person of color to lead the U.S. EPA. While in Jackson, the Administrator hosted a roundtable discussion on environmental justice with community leaders, toured the OB Curtis Water Treatment Facility. To be able to comment you must be registered and logged in. For him, America was the shining city on a hill.. It rang of optimism, and we longed to hear it, especially after the dark years of Vietnam and Watergate. The President thought it was very important to put a face on this term environmental injustice. When he saw evil camped across the horizon, he called that evil by its name. Administrator Regan is a graduate of the North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, making him the first EPA Administrator to have graduated from a Historically Black College and University. Regan joins the Cooper administration after more than 18 years of professional experience focused on overcoming complex challenges through environmental advocacy and regulation. Reagan blames Christian conservatives for slowing progress on stem cell research and holding back the fight against climate change. Image: screenshot from YouTube video of Ron Reagans FFRF ad. Michael said, I remember having dinner with my father with our family, we were having dinner and he [Ron] was talking about his atheism at dinner one night and my dad leaned over to me and grabbed my hand and said, My only prayer is that my son becomes a Christian and that was his prayer.. 104258), Byzantine general and governor Micha Korybut Winiowiecki (16401673), King of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth Mikhail, Prince of Abkhazia (died 1866) Michael I of Romania (1921-2017) Michael the Brave (15581601), Prince of Wallachia, Moldavia and Transylvania for a year. But after 10 minutes, we were talking about UCLA football. The agreement mandated that Duke Energy move some of the ash stored in ponds near aging coal-fired power plants to off-site landfills, according to the Post. I was 12 when I told my father I wasnt going anymore, Reagan recalled. Personal Account Forgot password? The food we choose to produceand how we produce it, use it and dispose of itall have an impact on climate pollution and so have the potential to become climate solutions., Earthjustice on the Biden Administrations Guidance on Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change, Environmental Groups Release Roadmap to Accelerate Transmission Infrastructure, Tell President Biden to appoint a new FERC commissioner, Legal Arguments Begin in Case Challenging EPAs Decision to Authorize Medically Important Antibiotic as Citrus Pesticide, Environmental Groups File Lawsuit Challenging New York Public Service Commissions Approval of Fracked Gas-Powered Crypto Mining Operations, Why Induction Stoves Are Better Than Gas Stoves. Prior to his nomination as EPA Administrator, Michael Regan served as the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Two sources, who spoke on conditions of anonymity, told publications about the decision to name Regan as administrator before it was formally announced. U.S. EPA Administrator. New EPA chief Michael Regan relishes clean slate after chaos of Trump era. 30. Every one of our clients gets top-tier legal representation, free ofcharge. He never wore his faith on his sleeve.. He has important work ahead of him helping battle climate change on a national level, and I wish him and his family the best on this next step. The proper reply would have been, Go to hell.. We would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us. As EPA Administrator, Regan will head an organisation which will play a key part in following President Joe Bidens policies on climate change. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. He was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper, according to his Department of Environmental Quality profile. WASHINGTON (AP) AP Sources: President-elect Biden to pick North Carolina regulator Michael Regan to lead Environmental Protection Agency pic.twitter.com/hrXwOlg9Ds, Meg Kinnard (@MegKinnardAP) December 17, 2020. Regan was unavailable for an interview Tuesday, a DEQ spokesperson said in response to an interview request. Oliver Milman. Ronald Reagan was governor then, but the family usually spent weekends at their home in Pacific Palisades. I can tell you, being on the ground here, seeing it for myself, talking with the community members, its just startling that we got to this point, Regan said near the fence of the Sasol chemical complex after viewing an air monitoring unit that residents and activists say is inadequate. Religion may indeed inspire acts of great kindness and courage, he told FRF in 2009. The conservative icon was a true believer. The Senate confirmed him on March 10, 2021, by a vote of 66-34. 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