High hopes for new head of US environment agency

Democrats cheer confirmation of Michael Regan, praising his climate and social justice record

Democrat politicians and research campaigners have expressed high hopes that Michael Regan will champion evidence-informed climate policy as head of the Environmental Protection Agency—the federal body tasked with protecting human health and the environment—following his confirmation by the US Senate.

Regan received a bipartisan majority backing to become EPA administrator in a Senate vote on 10 March, and was sworn in the following day. In a press release, the EPA said he had committed to “restoring the role of science and transparency” at the EPA, while Regan himself said he would “ensure science is at the heart of our decision-making”.