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About EPA

About the Office of the Administrator

   

What We Do

The Office of the Administrator (AO) provides executive and logistical support for the EPA Administrator. AO supports the leadership of EPA 's programs and activities to protect human health and the environment. To contact AO, call 202-564-4700.

Organization

Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator

Bob Perciasepe, Deputy Administrator

The Office of the Administrator includes:

Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ)

What We Do

The Administrative Law Judges conduct hearings and render decisions in proceedings between the EPA and persons, businesses, government entities, and other organizations which are or are alleged to be regulated under environmental laws. The Administrative Law Judges also conduct hearings and render decisions in appeals from determinations of the EPA's Office of Civil Rights in complaints of violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and of the EPA's implementing regulations at 40 C.F.R. Part 7. In addition, the Administrative Law Judges preside in enforcement and permit proceedings in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. Most enforcement actions initiated by the EPA are for the assessment of civil penalties.

All litigants are offered the opportunity to resolve enforcement cases through alternative dispute resolution, with an Administrative Law Judge serving as a neutral, prior to assignment of the case for litigation before another Administrative Law Judge.

Federal administrative law judges are certified by the Office of Personnel Management and appointed in accordance with 5 U.S.C. § 3105. They have decisional independence pursuant to Section 557 of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. § 557 which ensures the fair and impartial resolution of proceedings.

Decisions issued by the Administrative Law Judges are subject to review by the Environmental Appeals Board (EAB). The Administrative Law Judge's initial decision, which is a disposition of all of the issues in a proceeding, becomes the final order of the EPA within 45 days after service upon the parties unless a party appeals to the EAB or the EAB on its own initiative elects to review the initial decision.

Mail code: 1900L | EPA mailing addresses
Location:  Franklin Court Building, EPA Headquarters

OALJ Organization

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Office of Children's Health Protection (OCHP)

What We Do

OCHP’s fundamental goal is to ensure that all EPA actions and programs address the unique vulnerabilities of children.Children may be more vulnerable to environmental exposures than adults because:

OCHP’s major goals are to:

  • reduce negative environmental impacts on children through involvement in EPA rulemaking, policy, enforcement actions, research and applications of science that focuses on prenatal and childhood vulnerabilities;
  • protect children through safe chemicals management; and
  • coordinate national and internal community-based programs to eliminate threats to children’s health.

OCHP’s Major Work

Mail code: 1107A | EPA mailing addresses
Location: EPA Headquarters at Washington, D.C. Federal Triangle campus

OCHP Organization

Peter Grevatt, Director

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Office of Civil Rights (OCR)

What We Do

OCR provides leadership, direction, and guidance in carrying out the Agency’s equal employment programs. We also provide policy and technical assistance to EPA’s Headquarters offices, Regional offices, and laboratories located throughout the country in carrying out their responsibilities related to civil rights and in complying with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws and regulations.

  • Through the External Complaints Program, recipients of EPA financial assistance comply with Federal non-discrimination requirements.
  • Through the Employment Complaints Resolution Staff, all EPA employees and applicants for employment are afforded equal employment and advancement opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, reprisal, sexual orientation, or parental status.
  • Through the Affirmative Employment and Diversity Staff, barriers to employment and advancement opportunities for women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are eliminated.

Programs and projects managed by OCR

Mail code: 1201A | EPA mailing addresses
Location:  EPA Headquarters at Washington, D.C. Federal Triangle campus

OCR Organization

Rafael DeLeon, Acting Director

OCR includes:

  • Affirmative Employment and Diversity Staff
    Assistant Director - Vacant
    • Phone: 202-564-7272
  • External Complaints and Compliance Program
    Helena Wooden-Aguilar, Acting Assistant Director
  • Employment Complaints Resolution Staff
    Ronald Ballard, Assistant Director

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Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations (OCIR)

What We Do

OCIR serves as EPA's principal point of contact for Congress, states and local governments. We act as liaisons with these constituencies on the Agency's major programs (e.g., air, pesticides, water, waste) as well as on intergovernmental issues. We

  • Assist, develop and implement the legislative agenda for the Agency, including legislative initiatives and proposals.
  • Lead EPA in the review of legislation; coordinate EPA's formal positions and technical assistance to Congress; and monitor all relevant legislative actions (e.g., bills, reports, regulations) related to EPA Programs.
  • Facilitate communication of the Agency's priorities and policies to the Congress.
  • Manage and monitor Agency and public requests for Congressional information.
  • Coordinate Agency appearances at Congressional hearings and manage associated testimony.
  • Ensure (a) integration of Headquarters policy and guidance into Regional office operations and (b) incorporation of Regional views and needs into formulation of Agency policy and decision-making.
  • Notify Congress of the Agency's grant awards.

Programs and projects managed by OCIR

Mail code: 1301A | EPA mailing addresses
Location:  EPA Headquarters at Washington, D.C. Federal Triangle campus

OCIR Organization

David McIntosh, Associate Administrator

Joyce Frank, Principal Deputy Associate Administrator

The Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations includes:

  • Congressional Affairs Division
    Arvin Ganesan, Deputy Associate Administrator
  • Intergovernmental Relations Division
    Sarah Hospodor-Pallone, Deputy Associate Administrator
  • Information and Management Division
    Nigel Simon, Director
  • NOTE: The Office of Regional Operations has been reorganized under the Deputy Administrator

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Environmental Appeals Board (EAB)

What We Do

The Appeals Board is the final Agency decisionmaker on administrative appeals under all major environmental statutes that the Agency administers. The EAB hears permit and civil penalty appeals in accordance with regulations delegating this authority from the EPA Administrator. Appeals from permit decisions made by EPA's Regional Administrators (and in some cases, state permitting officials) may be filed either by permittees or other interested persons.

A substantial additional portion of the EAB's caseload consists of petitions for reimbursement of costs incurred in complying with cleanup orders issued under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA). The EAB decides these matters pursuant to a delegation of authority from the Administrator. The EAB is also authorized to hear appeals from various administrative decisions under the Clean Air Act's acid rain program at 40 C.F.R. Part 78 and appeals of federal Clean Air Act Title V operating permits issued pursuant to 40 C.F.R. Part 71. More information about the EAB.

Mail code: 1103B | EPA mailing addresses
Location:  Colorado Building, EPA Headquarters

EAB Organization

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Office of Executive Services (OES)

What We Do

The Office of Executive Services (OES), plans, manages, reports results and carries out activities associated with human resources and organizational development; budget formulation and execution; systems development and information technology and management.

OES’ Major Work

As the centralized administrative component of the Office of the Administrator (AO), OES is responsible for the following:

  • Preparation of budget documents, operating plans and supporting justifications for all resource decisions;
  • Preparation and planning of studies to assess resource requirements;
  • Oversight of AO’s Working Capital Fund;
  • Assistance in developing and implementing automated resource and tracking systems;
  • Lotus Notes Database development;
  • Preparation of organizational, administrative and personnel materials;
  • Preparation and tracking of payroll, travel and procurement actions;
  • Audit coordination and tracking;
  • Coordination and oversight of facilities, space, and property management services.
  • IT Security; and
  • Continuity of Operations Program (COOP).

Mail code: 1104A | EPA mailing addresses
Location:  EPA Headquarters at Washington, D.C. Federal Triangle campus

OES Organization

Diane N. Bazzle, Director

Twanna Lesperance, Administrative/Management Chief

Gloria Lewis-Seagraves, Information Technology Chief

The Resources Management Staff (vacant)

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Office of the Executive Secretariat (OEX)

What We Do

OEX serves as the correspondence, records management, and Freedom of Information Act hub for the Office of the Administrator. The office:

  • Processes executive correspondence for the Administrator and Deputy Administrator, facilitating substantive and thorough responses to communications from individuals and organizations representing diverse perspectives, priorities and backgrounds.
  • Maintains the Administrator’s and Deputy Administrator’s records, including documents such as correspondence, calendars, and briefing materials.
  • Oversees records management activities in AO staff offices and ensures compliance with federal statutes and National Archives requirements. OEX also administers the AO vital records program and disaster preparedness activities.
  • Establishes the Agency’s style and format standards for correspondence and publishes the EPA Correspondence Manual (EPA Manual 1320).
  • Manages operation of the Correspondence Management System, the EPA’s web-based correspondence tracking and workflow management software application. The CMS has more than 2,800 users across the nation.
  • Processes Freedom of Information Act requests assigned to AO and its staff offices. OEX coordinates search efforts, liaisons with the Office of General Counsel, and provides training to staff.

Programs and projects managed by OEX

Mail code: 1105A | EPA mailing addresses
Location:  EPA Headquarters at Washington, D.C. Federal Triangle campus

OEX Organization

Eric E. Wachter, Director

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Office of External Affairs and Environmental Education (OEAEE)

What We Do

OEAEE is the primary office for all EPA communications and public outreach. The Associate Administrator for External Affairs and Environmental Education is the principal advisor to the Administrator on all issues concerning short-term and long-term strategic communications. OEAEE:

  • prepares speeches for the Administrator and senior managers,
  • serves as the principal news media gateway for official Agency announcements, press releases and statements, speeches, Congressional and public hearing testimony, biographies of principal officers, and other documents of public interest,
  • coordinates Agency's external message for emergency response activities,
  • serves as the Agency-wide point of contact for the planning, developing, and reviewing of all Agency print, promotional, display, audiovisual and broadcast products (other than news and Web-based products) intended for the public,
  • directs Agency multilingual outreach and communications efforts,
  • establishes and maintains close working relationships with a broad range of public and private sector organizations,
  • manages EPA's Web content, including content on epa.gov and in new social media, and
  • leads and coordinates EPA programs to provide national leadership in promoting environmental literacy, in accordance with the National Environmental Education Act of 1990 (NEEA).

Programs and projects managed by OEAEE

Mail code: 1701A | EPA mailing addresses
Location:  EPA Headquarters at Washington, D.C. Federal Triangle campus

OEAEE Organization

Seth Oster, Associate Administrator

  • Phone: 202-564-8368

Adora Andy, Deputy Associate Administrator

  • Phone: 202-564-8368

Stephanie Owens, Deputy Associate Administrator

  • Phone: 202-564-8368

Lisa Schlosser, Principal Deputy Associate Administrator

  • Phone: 202-564-8368

The Office of External Affairs and Environmental Education includes:

  • Office of Environmental Education
    Ruth McCully, Director 
  • Office of Media Relations
    Roxanne Smith, Director 
  • Office of Multimedia Operations
    Ron Slotkin, Director
  • Office of the Press Secretary
    Brendan Gilfillan, Press Secretary
  • Office of Public Engagement
    Stephanie Owens, Director
  • Office of Special Projects/Product Review
    Lina Younes, Acting Director
  • Office of Web Communications
    Jeffrey Levy, Director

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Office of Federal Advisory Committee Management and Outreach (OFACMO)

What We Do

OFACMO oversees all of EPA’s advisory committees authorized under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).  The office manages five committees and is responsible for ensuring that all of EPA's advisory committees comply with FACA.  Advisory committees are composed of concerned citizens representing diverse points of view.  The committees provide EPA policy-makers with objective, timely advice and recommendations on environmental policies and programs. 

Programs and projects managed by OFACMO

Mail code: 1601M | EPA mailing addresses
Location:  EPA Headquarters at Washington, D.C. Federal Triangle campus

OFACMO Organization

Cynthia Jones-Jackson, Acting Director

The Office of Federal Advisory Committee Management and Outreach includes:

  • Committee, Policy and Oversight Staff
    Tim Sherer, Associate Director
  • Committee Management Operations Staff
    Mark Joyce, Associate Director
  • Planning, Technology and Outreach Staff
    Cynthia Jones-Jackson, Associate Director

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Office of Homeland Security (OHS)

What We Do

OHS provides Agency-wide leadership and coordination for homeland security policy; including EPA’s planning, prevention, preparedness, and response for homeland security-related incidents.  OHS responsibilities include:

  • setting and implenting a strategic direction for EPA’s homeland security activities, including coordination on homeland security budget, communications, and legislative issues;
  • directing implementation of Homeland Security Presidential Directives;
  • advising the Administrator and other senior leadership on matters related to national security and intelligence; serving as the principal Agency liaison to the U.S. intelligence community; and coordinating the EPA programs and Regions on matters related to classified and other sensitive information;
  • serving as the primary liaison with senior officials in the White House National Security Staff, the Department of Homeland Security, other federal agencies, and non-governmental partners;
  • facilitating regular collaboration with EPA program offices through intra-agency committees and workgroups to coordinate overall Agency homeland security strategy.

Programs and projects managed by OHS

  • Homeland Security Collaborative Network
  • Homeland Security strategic planning
  • Pandemic flu preparedness and response
  • Nuclear Incident Response Team Interagency Agreement
  • Homeland Security Portal

Mail code: 1109A | EPA mailing addresses
Location:  EPA Headquarters at Washington, D.C. Federal Triangle campus

OHS Organization

Deborah Y. Dietrich, Associate Administrator

Juan Reyes, Deputy Associate Administrator

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The Office of Policy (OP)

What We Do

Located in the Office of the Administrator, the Office of Policy, (OP) is the primary policy arm of EPA.We work with our EPA colleagues to support Agency priorities and enhance decision-making. We provide multi-disciplinary analytic skills, management support, and special expertise in four areas: regulatory policy and management, environmental economics, strategic environmental management, and sustainable communities.

Organization

Louise Wise, Acting Associate Administrator

The Office of Policy Includes:

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Office of Regional Operations (ORO)

What We Do

ORO serves as the Regional offices' advocate and ombudsman at headquarters and is a critical link between the Regional/Deputy Regional Administrators, Administrator/Deputy Administrator, and the Assistant Administrators. ORO ensures the incorporation of Regional office views and needs in the formulation of agency and national policy and decision-making processes, as well as the integration of headquarters' policy and concerns into Regional office operations.

Specifically, ORO performs two critical planning and resource roles for the Agency:

  • Regional liaison:
    • coordinates logistics, agendas, and subject matter for routine, special, and "hot issue" meetings and conference calls of EPA and Regional senior leaders (PDF) (2 pp, 45K, about PDF)
    • coordinates and maintains the Lead Region System which enhances Regional participation in Agency decision-making;
    • champions/advocates for the Regions in obtaining information from appropriate Headquarters and Regional Offices to support Regional Administrator and Deputy Regional Administrator decision-making;
    • collects and distributes to Regional senior managers current information and perspectives available on rapidly emerging issues, development of rapid summaries of Regional perspectives on issues, special analyses, and tools for cross-Regional assessments.
  • Program manager: This role involves resources monitoring and policy coordination of the agency’s Regional Science & Technology (RS&T).

Mail code: 1301A | EPA mailing addresses
Location:  EPA Headquarters at Washington, D.C. Federal Triangle campus

ORO Organization

Janet Woodka, Director of Regional Operations and Senior Advisor to the Deputy Administrator

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Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP)

What We Do

OSBP advocates and advances the business, regulatory, and environmental compliance concerns of small and socio-economically disadvantaged businesses and minority academic institutions. The office:

  • develops programs to stimulate and improve the involvement of small business, minority business, and women-owned business enterprises in the overall EPA procurement process,
  • increases opportunities for minority academic institutions to participate in federal programs, and
  • increases and encourages the utilization and participation of disadvantages business enterprises in procurements funded by EPA assistance agreements,

The Agency's Asbestos and Small Business Ombudsman (ASBO), located in OSBP, supports the environmental and compliance performance of small businesses while reducing the regulatory burden on small businesses, including the cost of compliance and the adverse impact on business operations. ASBO also:

Programs and projects managed by OSBP

Mail code: 1230T | EPA mailing addresses
Location:  EPA Headquarters at Washington, D.C. Federal Triangle campus

OSBP Organization

Jeannette L. Brown, Director

Kimberly Patrick, Deputy Director

OSBP includes:

  • Direct Team
    Lamont Norwood, Team Leader
  • Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
    Tommie Madison, Acting Program Coordinator
  • Minority Academic Institutions Program
    Neil Stewart, Acting Team Leader
  • Joan B. Rogers, Asbestos and Small Business Ombudsman

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Science Advisory Board (SAB) and the SAB Staff Office

What We Do

A key priority for EPA is to base Agency actions on sound scientific data, analyses, and interpretations. The SAB provides a mechanism for the Agency to receive peer review and other advice designed to make a positive difference in the production and use of science at EPA. The SAB's principal mission includes:

  • reviewing the quality and relevance of the scientific and technical information being used or proposed as the basis for Agency regulations
  • reviewing research programs and the technical basis of applied programs
  • reviewing generic approaches to regulatory science, including guidelines governing the use of scientific and technical information in regulatory decisions, and critiquing such analytic methods as mathematical modelling
  • advising the Agency on broad scientific matters in science, technology, social and economic issues, and
  • advising the Agency on emergency and other short-notice programs.

The SAB Staff Office:

  • manages EPA requests for scientific and technical advice and peer review,
  • provides policy, technical and administrative assistance to advisory committees in conducting meetings and preparing reports,
  • oversees the formation of advisory committees and panels, ensuring that the needed breadth and depth of expertise and balanced points are achieved,
  • informs the public of committee advisory activities through Federal Register Notices,
  • ensures that committees conduct advisory activities in public, and
  • provides the public with opportunities to provide input during the advisory process.

Programs and projects managed by the SAB Staff Office

Mail code: 1400F | EPA mailing addresses
Location: 1025 F Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.

SAB Organization

Vanessa Vu, Director, SAB Staff Office

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Located in the Office of the Administrator, the Office of Policy, (OP) is the primary policy arm of EPA.We work with our EPA colleagues to support Agency priorities and enhance decision-making. We provide multi-disciplinary analytic skills, management support, and special expertise in four areas: regulatory policy and management, environmental economics, strategic environmental management, and sustainable communities.

OP Organization

Louise Wise, Acting Associate Administrator

Located in the Office of the Administrator, the Office of Policy, (OP) is the primary policy arm of EPA.We work with our EPA colleagues to support Agency priorities and enhance decision-making. We provide multi-disciplinary analytic skills, management support, and special expertise in four areas: regulatory policy and management, environmental economics, strategic environmental management, and sustainable communities.

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