Protecting the Planet for Our Children

Ed. note: This is cross-posted from the EPA Blog.

Administrator Gina McCarthy at Harvard Law School. July 30, 2013. (Photo Courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency)

Yesterday I had the honor and privilege of speaking at Harvard Law School about the future of EPA – our challenges, and our incredible opportunities. The highlight of my day, however, wasn’t the fact that I got to speak about issues that I care very deeply about. About how working to fight climate change can serve as an economic driver, helping create new jobs, new industries and new innovation. It wasn’t even that I got to stand in front of many of the environmental heroes who have paved the way before me. The highlight for me came when one my children – my daughter, Maggie – got behind the podium and introduced me before my first speech as the new EPA Administrator, in front of my younger daughter, Julie, who was all smiles in the front row.

I think about all of my children – Maggie, Julie and Dan – when I go to work every morning. Because after all, the work we do is about the generations that will come after us, and the planet that we will leave behind. As I mentioned yesterday, I have a lot of hope for the next generation. And it’s my goal to make sure that we get out of the way and let them do what we know they will do – which is to ensure that we have a sustainable economy and a protected environment.

We have challenges ahead, there’s no doubt about that. And it’s a pivotal moment for all of us to address those challenges. As parents – as Americans – it’s our job to face the challenges of a changing climate, of carbon pollution, of aging water infrastructure, of toxic chemicals head on. It is our responsibility to leave behind an environment that Maggie, Julie and Dan will be proud of. That’s what the goal is here.

Gina McCarthy is the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.