About this episode

Michael Regan discusses the intersection of clean energy, public health, and community engagement in environmental policy.

What if the most compelling case for clean energy isn't climate change, economics, or energy independence? What if it's public health? Former EPA Administrator Michael Regan has spent his career connecting pollution, environmental protection, and energy policy to the everyday health of American communities. In this special collaboration between SunCast and Energy Empire, Nico Johnson and Jigar Shah sit down with Regan to explore why he viewed the EPA as a public health agency first, and what today's clean energy leaders can learn from communities demanding a greater voice in decisions that affect their lives. From North Carolina's landmark coal ash settlement to EPA's Journey to Justice initiative, Regan shares how listening to communities reshaped the way he approached enforcement, regulation, and environmental protection. The conversation also tackles one of the industry's most pressing challenges: how to build the infrastructure America needs while maintaining public trust amid rising concerns over affordability, data centers, and rapid load growth. For developers, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders, this episode offers a timely reminder that successful energy…

People in this episode

Host: Nico Johnson

Guest: Michael Regan

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: EPA, Energy Empire

Places: North Carolina

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