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About the Office of Public Engagement and Environmental Education (OPEEE)

What We Do

OPEEE resides in the Office of the Administrator and is comprised of two offices, the Office of Public Engagement (OPE), and the Office of Environmental Education (OEE). These offices coordinate stakeholder outreach and environmental education that support the agency’s mission and Administration priorities.

About the Office of Public Engagement (OPE)

The Office of Public Engagement initiates and maintains the agency’s relationships with principal stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of environmental decision-making. OPE is responsible for engaging with all stakeholders on important issues and policies and communicating stakeholder input and concerns to EPA leadership.   

 The achievement of EPA’s environmental goals requires the active engagement of all stakeholders and organizations that are impacted by EPA policies and regulations, including environmental justice, climate change, and infrastructure.

OPE coordinates with all EPA national programs and regional offices around stakeholder engagement ensuring the Administrator and senior staff are aware and advised of stakeholder interests and concerns related to the current Administration’s priorities. OPE functions include communicating and fostering strong relationships with the public, convening briefings and meetings, organizing events, and gathering timely and relevant information to inform agency decision making.  

OPE continually and proactively establishes relationships with stakeholders to ensure a broad range of voices are captured in the agency’s work.  

Current Projects Managed by OPE

OPE regularly organizes stakeholder engagement related to EPA actions and programs, such as: 

  • Climate Change
  • Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
  • Compliance and Enforcement
  • Air Quality
  • Environmental Justice
  • Chemical and Pesticide Safety
  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs)

About the Office of Environmental Education

The Office of Environmental Education manages EPA activities and programs that support environmental education, including professional development, youth and educator recognition, and grants. Environmental education increases public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues or challenges. In doing so, it provides the public with the necessary skills to make informed decisions and take responsible action.

Current Projects Managed by OEE

  • Environmental Education Grants Program
  • National Environmental Education Training Program
  • President's Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) and the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE)
  • National Environmental Education Advisory Council (NEEAC)

Location

Mail code: 1702A (Office of Public Engagement) / 1704A (Office of Environmental Education) | EPA mailing addresses
Location:  EPA Headquarters at Washington, D.C. Federal Triangle campus

OPEEE Organization

Rosemary Enobakhare, Associate Administrator
  • Email: Enobakhare.Rosemary@epa.gov
Loni Cortez Russell, Deputy Associate Administrator 
  • Email: Russell.Loni@epa.gov
Catherine Diaz, Special Assistant
  • Email: Diaz.Catherine@epa.gov

The Office of Public Engagement and Environmental Education includes:

  • Office of Environmental Education
    Director - Hiram Lee Tanner, III
    • Phone:  202-564-4988
  • Office of Public Engagement
    Acting Deputy Director - Avivah Jakob
    • Phone: 202-566-2251
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Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on June 7, 2023
United States Environmental Protection Agency

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