Happy Earth Week to all who celebrate — although every day is Earth Day here at EPA! I’m new to Reddit, but I’m ready to dive in. We all know those icebreakers when you first meet people can be a little awkward, but in this case, I think it’s important to give you rundown:

• I'm the first Black man and second person of color to ever lead the EPA. It's fun when things come full circle, because I started my career at the agency as an intern (don't ask me how long it's been).
• I'm originally from Goldsboro, North Carolina and a proud graduate of NC A&T. Aggie pride!
• Like many people, my passion for the environment developed while exploring the outdoors as a kid. I would hunt and fish with my father and grandfather in rural North Carolina, and I love seeing that same spark of curiosity in my own 10-year-old son now.
• As a member of President Biden's cabinet, I've had the honor of traveling to 30 states and 13 countries meeting with folks who care deeply about protecting public health and the environment.
• Just like anyone starting a new job, I had a big list of goals in mind - tackling climate change, advancing environmental justice - but my philosophy comes down to this... I want to make sure all people have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and the opportunity to lead a healthy life. It's really that simple!

We’ve had a busy few weeks at the agency – just yesterday we announced the selectees for our $7 billion dollar Solar for All program, which follows our $20 billion dollar Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund announcement from two weeks ago! We’ve also finalized stronger pollution standards for cars and trucks, banned ongoing uses of asbestos, protected 100 million people from PFAS in drinking water, and made good on a promise to folks in Cancer Alley and overburdened communities across the nation by slashing cancer-causing pollution from chemical plants. There’s lots to talk about, and that’s why I’m so excited to be here today... so ask me anything!

Proof

PS. If anyone has tips for a good baseball pitch, I’ll also take that – I'm throwing the first pitch at the National-Dodgers game tonight and want to throw a pitch as strong as our plan to fight climate change.

Administrator Regan will begin answering questions at 2pm EST (18 UT)

Username: /u/EPAMichaelRegan