Paul Anastas

Assistant Administrator for Research and Development, Environmental Protection Agency

(Epa.gov)

Why He Matters

Anastas has achieved worldwide recognition as the "Father of Green Chemistry," a term he coined while at the EPA in the 1990s for his stellar work in reducing environmental waste and damages by changing the ways chemicals are designed, manufactured and used.

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Corrections?

Background

At a Glance

Career History: Professor in the Practice of Chemistry for the Environment at Yale University (2006 - 2009); Director of the Yale Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering (2004 - 2009); Environment in the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President, various positions concluding with Assistant Director (1999 to 2004); Staff Chemist, Chief of the Industrial Chemistry Branch, EPA Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances (1989 - 1999)
Hometown: Quincy, Mass.
Alma Mater: University of Massachusetts, BS (1984); Brandeis University, M.A., PhD Chemistry (1989)

Spouse: Julie Beth Zimmerman
DC Office: Environmental Protection Agency
Web site

Path to Power

Prior to joining EPA, Anastas was a professor in the "practice of chemistry for the environment" at Yale and the director of the Yale Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering. While at Yale, his research focused on the design of safer chemicals and chemical processes to replace the use of hazardous substances.

Born and raised in Quincy, Mass., Anastas is married to Julie Beth Zimmerman, an assistant professor of green engineering at Yale. Zimmerman was named acting director at the Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering at Yale, replacing her husband when he was confirmed as EPA assistant administrator.

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The Issues

As head of the Office of Research and Development, Anastas' primary responsibility is to "identify, understand, and solve current and future environmental problems."

He has laid out "12 principles of Green Chemistry" including "less hazardous chemical synetheses" and "use of reneweable feedstocks." At a March 2010 conference, Anastas said green chemistry and engineering would be a " will be an integral component of submissions" for any EPA Office of Research Grants.

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Green Chemistry and a Sustainable Future

At the American Chemical Society in March 2010, Anastas reiterated his belief that the emerging fields of "green chemistry" and "green engineering" will lead the American economy into a new era of sustainability and make the world a safer place.

Anastas told a packed audience that the word "sustainability" is used to connote many different ideas. "One thing is clear, however," he said. "The planet will not allow us to continue to do things the way we are doing them today. The data are clear. In terms of natural resources; water quality and quantity; climate, both temperature and ocean acidification; and fossil carbon for energy, the planet is telling us that we are not allowed to continue on our current path."

Grants to Study Climate Change

In keeping with EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson's bid to curb climate change, Anastas' office announced in February 2010 that more than $17 million in grant money is available to universities for the purposes of studying how global warming affects air and water.

In a statement, Anastas said, "EPA is engaging the academic research community, through these grants, to enable solutions that will both adapt to and mitigate the impact of climate change."

Hydraulic Fracture Research Program

Hydraulic fracturing, a practice in which drilling occurs in fractures or cracks in bedrock, is often used as a means of extracting gas and oil in the U.S. EPA, however, has expressed concerns that the process negatively affect ground and surface water, potentially contaminating drinking water and harming the environment. In March 2010, Administrator Jackson has requested assistance form ORD's Science Advisory Board in developing a comprehensive peer-reviewed study to conduct further research into the practice.

"Our research will be designed to answer questions about the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing on human health and the environment," Anastas said. "The study will be conducted through a transparent, peer-reviewed process, with significant stakeholder input."

The Network

Anastas reports to EPA administrator Lisa Jackson and is supported by Deputy Assistant Administrator Lek Kedeli and Deputy Assistant Administrator for Science Kevin Teichman, as well as the Office of the Science Adviser headed by Pai-Yei Whung.

Anastas previously worked for EPA from 1989 to 1999 in the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances.

Campaign Contributions

Anastas donated $250 to Barack Obama in October 2008, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

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