I offer my sincere congratulations to my friend Lisa Garcia on her appointment as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 2 Administrator. Lisa’s appointment is proof positive of President Biden’s and Administrator Regan’s commitment to protecting our environment and our communities. With roots in New York, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico, and of course her years as DEC’s Director of Environmental Justice and Indian Affairs, Lisa is a highly accomplished, collaborative, and dedicated public servant. I welcome her leadership, partnership, and support to help address our most pressing environmental challenges, including the climate crisis, threats to air and water quality, and impacts to communities that for far too long have borne the brunt of environmental pollution. Lisa has the expertise and the experience to advance meaningful policy and landmark protections for our region and the nation. EPA’s Region 2 will be in good hands with Lisa at the regional helm.