Global Futures Seminar: A conversation with Ed Chu, Deputy Regional Administrator, US Environmental Protection Agency

Through the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA will improve the lives of millions of Americans by reducing pollution in neighborhoods where people live, work, play, and go to school; accelerating environmental justice efforts in communities overburdened by pollution for far too long; and tackling our biggest climate challenges while creating jobs and delivering energy security. Join us for an informal conversation with Ed Chu, Deputy Regional Administrator, US Environmental Protection Agency, Heartland Region about opportunities to advance climate-smart environmental policies and operations that advance environmental justice. Edward Chu, Deputy Regional Administrator, US Environmental Protection Agency, Heartland Region As the highest-ranking career official in the region, responsible for providing strategic direction in the implementation of all environmental programs. Managing over 500 staff and an annual budget of about $300 million. Dramatically improved air quality for millions of Americans in Region 7. Seven air-quality challenged areas now meet all health-based air quality standards. Created workplace policies that make Region 7 the best place to work in the agency. According to the annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, Region 7 ranked first on the Global Satisfaction Index among all EPA offices (1 out of 22). Led federal interagency coordination that resulted in a redevelopment agreement between the city of St. Louis and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. NGA will employ over 3,000 federal employees at the site and its construction is estimated to create 5,200 construction jobs. First in EPA to implement a lean management system. Led an effort to improve laboratory sample turnaround time and delivered a nation-leading 95% on-time sample analysis. The Region 7 lab won the prestigious Gears of Government Award for improving laboratory sample turnaround time, thereby reducing preventable exposures to toxic waste. Led successful community engagement on complex, controversial issues such as radiological waste and new contaminants in drinking water.