EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin Names New Director to Advance Long Island Sound Restoration
BOSTON (Aug. 27, 2026) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin visited Long Island and announced that EPA has named Nicole (Nikki) Tachiki the Director of the Long Island Sound Partnership, further delivering on commitments to protect the Long Island Sound. Ms. Tachiki will lead EPA's work with federal, state, and local partners to restore and protect one of the nation's most important estuaries.
During the visit, Administrator Zeldin highlighted the progress made in protecting the Sound and heard from stakeholders about the gains achieved since a new Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan was signed in June 2025. The appointment underscores the Trump EPA's commitment to delivering on its promises to safeguard the Sound.
"Growing up on Long Island, I saw firsthand what the Sound means to the families and communities that depend on it. Protecting it has always been personal for me," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "In Nikki Tachiki, we've found exactly the right leader to build on our momentum, someone with proven experience across EPA's water programs and a real understanding of what's at stake. Under the Trump EPA, we will keep delivering cleaner water, a healthier environment, and stronger local economies."
"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Director of the Long Island Sound Partnership," said Nikki Tachiki, Director of the Long Island Sound Partnership. "Together, we have an opportunity to build on strong momentum, advance restoration projects, and protect this vital resource for future generations. I look forward to collaborating with our partners to help turn our shared goals into lasting results."
"Nikki's selection propels forward a flagship program that stands as a model for how powerful partnerships across federal, state, and local governments – along with stakeholders and the business community – can drive real progress," said EPA Region 2 Administrator Michael Martucci. "This EPA-led effort to restore Long Island Sound is a shining example of how EPA delivers clean water to communities across the country. And as every Long Islander knows, this collaboration is essential to protecting a vibrant Sound and fueling a thriving regional economy."
"Restoration efforts in Long Island Sound are essential to ensuring clean water, thriving ecosystems, and strong local economies throughout New England and New York. The remarkable achievements resulting from this program demonstrate the value of strong partnerships and cross-regional collaboration," said EPA Region 1 Administrator Mark Sanborn. "Nikki brings the experience and leadership needed to build on the program's long record of success and deliver lasting results that protect the Sound for generations to come."
Since 2019, Ms. Tachiki has served as the Strategic Planning Coordinator of the Long Island Sound Partnership with a focus on developing the organization's Reports to Congress and leading the program through revisions of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. She previously worked in the Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Section as a drinking water specialist in 2021 and as its Acting Section Supervisor in 2024. She served as a special assistant to the Regional Administrator in 2022.
Before joining the New York City office, Ms. Tachiki served as EPA Liaison to the Pacific Island Territories and the Los Angeles Regional Water Board, focusing on water quality. She also supported the National Estuary Programs and previously worked with the National Audubon Society and the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Ms. Tachiki received a bachelor's degree in environmental science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a master's degree in environmental science and policy from Johns Hopkins University.
Background
The Long Island Sound Partnership, formerly known as the Long Island Sound Study, was established in 1985. The partnership is among the first EPA National Estuary Programs. The Long Island Sound Partnership is a collaborative effort involving researchers, regulators, user groups, and other concerned organizations and individuals who work together to protect and improve the health of the Sound.
The EPA Long Island Sound Office coordinates the Long Island Sound Partnership Management Conference, creates a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, and ensures the CCMP goals for restoring and protecting Long Island Sound are accomplished. The goals of estuary programs restore environmental and economic health to areas around the country.
Follow EPA Region 1 on X, Instagram, and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 1, visit our website.