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Biography
On May 2, 2005, Stephen L. Johnson was sworn in as the 11th Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As Administrator, he leads EPA’s efforts to protect human health and the environment, managing more than 17,000 Agency employees nationwide and overseeing an annual budget of $7.7 billion.
Under Administrator Johnson’s leadership, the Agency has implemented a number of significant environmental programs. The United States became the first nation in the world to regulate mercury emissions from coal-fired electric utilities through the Clean Air Mercury Rule. The Administrator also implemented the Clean Air Interstate Rule, one of the five most health protective air quality standards in EPA history. In addition, Administrator Johnson led the nationwide effort to introduce ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, which was the single greatest achievement in clean fuel since the removal of lead from gasoline.
Administrator Johnson is committed to vigorously enforcing the nation’s environmental laws. In fiscal year 2006, EPA obtained commitments to reduce pollution by nearly 900 million pounds, resulting in a sustained three-year record of pollution cuts totaling almost three billion pounds.
As a scientist and 27-year veteran of the Agency, Administrator Johnson brings a strong scientific background and wealth of experience to his role as the nation’s top environmental official and head of the premier environmental agency in the world. Prior to becoming Administrator, he held several senior-level positions, including Acting Administrator, Deputy Administrator, Acting Deputy Administrator, and Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances. He has received numerous awards and commendations, including the Presidential Rank Award – the highest award that can be given to a civilian federal employee.
Prior to his public service, Administrator Johnson served as the Director of Operations at Hazelton Laboratories Corporation and Litton Bionetics, Inc.
Johnson is a native of the Washington, D.C. area. He received a B.A. in Biology from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, an M.S. in Pathology from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and an honorary doctorate of science from Taylor University.
He and his wife, Debbie, have three grown children, Carrie, Allison and Matthew, and five grandchildren, Carter, Luke, Kaden, Brayden and Mekeyla.