In a move to bridge the gap between science and policy, Adam Ortiz, EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator, hit the grounds of the University of Virginia to get the lowdown on environmental research and discuss the big issues—climate change, justice, and green energy solutions.
Ortiz was on deck to learn directly from the brightest at UVA's Environmental Institute, looking to quickly grasp cutting-edge developments and chat about how these could translate into real-world policies that benefit both the environment and the economy. "Learning about the important research work ongoing at UVA’s Environmental Institute is key to achieving our mission," Ortiz said, in a statement obtained by EPA's news release. "Protecting our planet is a shared responsibility."
In today's world, where climate concerns jostle with economic needs, such university-led discussions can turn the tide for environmental policy. Research on rising sea levels and green energy's impact on rural communities were among the hot topics tackled during Ortiz's visit.
The EPA bigwig didn't just pop in to talk shop with the faculty; he also squared off with students in an open forum to promote EPA career paths. It was a chance to not only to answer burning questions but also to drum up some enthusiasm for the agency's efforts. Karen McGlathery, UVA’s Environmental Institute Director, told EPA's newsroom, "This conversation is important as we consider how UVA research leads the way for solutions that engage diverse stakeholders on issues ranging from coastal resilience to environmental justice."
Ortiz's jaunt to UVA serves as a reminder that the EPA is looking to academic intellectuals for partnership in the mission to safeguard our environment. A mission that, evidently, requires more than just policy wonks—it calls for research heads and community players to all pitch in.
