Originally aired December 2024
Three federal environmental officials who served during the first Trump administration share how they kept energy, environmental, and climate programs moving despite sweeping deregulatory priorities — and what those lessons mean for federal staff navigating the second Trump term.
The panel explores how strategic alignment, finding common ground, and innovative frameworks helped preserve progress on critical priorities — and how those approaches can be applied today.
Teresa Pohlman
Former Director, Occupational Safety and Environmental Programs, Department of Homeland SecurityTeresa Pohlman recently retired as Director of Occupational Safety and Environmental Programs at DHS, where she led efforts to integrate sustainability and environmental compliance into agency operations. Her career spans decades of federal environmental management and policy leadership across multiple agencies.
Mark Pollins
Former Director, Water Enforcement Division, U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyMark Pollins served as Director of the Water Enforcement Division at the EPA, leading efforts to enforce the Clean Water Act and address significant water quality and public health challenges. He is a trusted expert in federal environmental law and policy.
The Honorable Alex Beehler
Former Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and EnvironmentAlex Beehler served as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment during the first Trump administration, focusing on energy resilience and environmental sustainability across Army operations. He previously served as Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Installations and Environment.
Edward Saltzberg
Executive Director, Security & Sustainability ForumEd Saltzberg is the Executive Director of the Security and Sustainability Forum, where he leads conversations with global leaders on the intersection of environmental sustainability, security, and long-term resilience.
