The Trump team has made no secret of its focus on deregulation, particularly in environmental protection, climate change, clean energy, and environmental justice. These priorities were hallmarks of the first Trump administration, and as the new Trump term begins, it is likely to approach these goals with even greater efficiency and focus. However, history shows that it is possible to innovate and adapt even within an environment of sweeping policy shifts.
What You Will Learn This webinar explores the experiences of federal environmental officials who successfully navigated the challenges of the first Trump administration. Despite the emphasis on deregulation, these leaders found creative ways to keep their energy, environmental, and climate programs operational. They maintained progress on critical priorities by leveraging strategic alignment, finding common ground, and developing innovative frameworks. Their experiences offer valuable insights for federal staff facing similar challenges today.
Who Should Attend This webinar is ideal for federal agency staff, policymakers, environmental advocates, and stakeholders navigating the political transition into the second Trump administration. Whether you are a senior executive crafting operational strategies or a rising leader facing a political transition for the first time, this session will provide invaluable guidance for aligning agency goals with shifting priorities while fostering resilience and innovation.
Hosted by the Environmental and Energy Management Institute at George Washington University and produced by the Security and Sustainability Forum, this event offers practical and inspiring insights for anyone committed to preserving environmental and energy priorities during politically challenging times.
| Meet the Panel |
 Teresa Pohlman recently retired as the Director of Occupational Safety and Environmental Programs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), where she led efforts to integrate sustainability and environmental compliance into DHS operations. With a career spanning decades in federal service, she previously held key roles in environmental management and policy, including overseeing safety and environmental initiatives at multiple federal agencies. Pohlman’s expertise in balancing operational demands with environmental stewardship made her a critical leader in navigating evolving federal priorities. |
Mark Pollins is a former Director of the Water Enforcement Division at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where he led efforts to enforce the Clean Water Act and ensure compliance with critical environmental regulations. Throughout his career, he was instrumental in addressing significant challenges, such as water quality enforcement and public health crises. Pollins’ legacy includes decades of impactful service in environmental law and policy, making him a trusted expert in navigating the complexities of federal environmental programs |
 The Honorable Alex Beehler served as the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment during the Trump administration, where he focused on enhancing energy resilience and environmental sustainability across Army operations. Prior to this role, he held senior positions in the federal government, including as Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Installations and Environment and Assistant Deputy for Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health at the Department of Defense. Beehler’s extensive experience in energy, environment, and defense uniquely positioned him to navigate the complexities of aligning federal priorities with the Trump administration’s agenda. |
