About the Office of Public Engagement and Environmental Education (OPEEE)
What We Do
OPEEE resides in the Office of the Administrator and coordinates stakeholder outreach and environmental education that supports the agency’s mission and Administration priorities.
OPEEE initiates and maintains the agency’s relationships with principal stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of environmental decision-making. It 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.
OPEEE 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. 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. OPEEE continually and proactively establishes relationships with stakeholders to ensure a broad range of voices are captured in the agency’s work.
OPEEE also 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 OPEEE
- Environmental Education Grants Program
- National Environmental Education Training Program
- National Environmental Education Advisory Council (NEE-AC)
- National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC)
- President's Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) and the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE)
Current EPA Initiatives OPEEE Supports
Location
Mail code: 1702A
Location: EPA Headquarters at Washington, D.C. Federal Triangle campus
OPEEE Organization
- Phone: 202-566-2251
- Email: Jakob.Avivah@epa.gov
Public Engagement and Environmental Education Office
- Director - Avivah Jakob
- Phone: 202-566-2251
- Email: Jakob.Avivah@epa.gov