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, including environmental justice, climate change, and infrastructure.

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.

As part of this work, OPEEE manages EPA’s engagement activities with Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions (HBCUs-MSIs). The office manages several HBCU-MSI related programs including but not limited to the HBCU-MSI Advisory Council.

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.