Administrator Michael Regan, Remarks for the G.K. Butterfield Station Dedication Ceremony, As Prepared for Delivery

Remarks for the G.K. Butterfield Station Dedication Ceremony, As Prepared for Delivery

Michael Regan

October 24, 2024
Goldsboro, North Carolina

Good morning, everyone. It's my honor to join you all today.

Let me just start by saying a train station named after Congressman Butterfield is certainly fitting...because as many of us can attest...he is ALWAYS on the move.

Thank you to my friend...GK for the invitation to celebrate with so many friends, colleagues, and familiar faces.

I join you all in honoring a man who has dedicated his life to serving his community.

Whether he was championing voting rights or fighting for economic opportunity...Congressman Butterfield's legacy is one of dignity, courage...and an unwavering faith in the power of public service.

Throughout his career as a legislator...activist...and judge...Congressman Butterfield has led with distinction and excellence-never once wavering in his commitment to the people of this great state.

And it's a great state indeed...folks, I grew up not too far from here, in Goldsboro…and as I always say, no matter where I go in the world, nothing beats being back home in North Carolina.

And you know...GK and I, we go way back.

I remember first meeting him when I was serving as the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, and he was the Congressman representing North Carolina's 1st Congressional District.

This was in the aftermath of a hurricane response that had ravaged communities across central and eastern parts of the state.

It was then when I witnessed firsthand the pride that GK took in serving his district.

He was on the ground...he was speaking with families who had lost everything...and he was working around the clock to bring relief and assistance to his community.

I also think back to working alongside him and Governor Cooper to establish the very first Environmental Justice Advisory Council within a state agency-an initiative that underscored his dedication to environmental stewardship and his commitment to our future and the resilience of our communities and natural resources.

And in all the years that I've known him, I've taken with me one very important lesson.

All politics are local.

Real solutions emerge when local, state, and federal leadership work together.

But more importantly, I've watched him demonstrate true leadership...as he is never afraid to reach across the aisle.

Folks, he believes in the power of unity. He believes in bipartisanship as a means of strengthening our communities.

Because he understands that bringing together diverse perspectives can help us tackle and overcome some of our greatest challenges.

These principles have guided me throughout my career as Secretary at DEQ and now as administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency.

And I'll never forget the day I received a call from Congressman Butterfield, declaring his support...and the support of the Congressional Black Caucus...for my nomination as the 16th administrator of EPA.

That call meant so much to me.

Not only did he believe in me, but also in that moment, he exemplified what I know to be true about him-he is deeply committed to uplifting others and empowering the next generation of leaders who will follow in his footsteps.

So, folks, let's celebrate a true leader.

Let's celebrate a job well done.

Let's celebrate a career in public service that has spanned more than 30 years.

Let's celebrate Congressman Butterfield's commitment to our communities...and the immeasurable impact he's had on countless lives.

Congratulations, sir, on this well-deserved honor...we are grateful for your leadership and legacy-a legacy that will continue to shape our future for generations to come.

And before I take my seat, I'd like to share with you a letter from President Biden.

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