Season 14 • Episode 1116

Change at the EPA

Oct 8, 2026

16:42

Public Health Environmental Health Health Policy Global Health

Episode Description

About this episode:

Since its inception, the Environmental Protection Agency has served as the bedrock for major policy initiatives to protect human and environmental health in the U.S.—from safeguarding access to clean air and water to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. But a recent move towards deregulation reflects major changes happening at the agency. In this episode: Tom Burke, who served as the deputy assistant administrator of the EPA from 2015 to 2017, talks about his serious concerns about recent policy moves—and his confidence that the future of environmental health nonetheless remains strong.

Guest:

Tom Burke, PhD, MPH, is an emeritus professor at Johns Hopkins and a former top official with the Environmental Protection Agency in the Obama administration.

Host:

Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland's Health Department.

Show links and related content:

EPA Hits 40-Year Lows in Staffing After Trump Targets Its Public Health Experts—Inside Climate News
The EPA's Approval of Two New Pesticides—Public Health On Call (March 2026)
The Future of the Environmental Protection Agency Under Trump—Public Health On Call (December 2024)

Transcript information:

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