Tell us a bit about your professional background.
I’ve worked in environmental law for more than two decades. Most of that time was spent working on regulatory issues for the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). While at ARTBA, I represented the interests of the transportation construction industry on a broad range of topics. This included advocating for contractors, planning and design firms, and state and local transportation officials. Specifically, I worked on matters in the environmental, labor, contracting, and safety fields. Many of the members I worked with at ARTBA were small businesses.
What regulatory issues do you work on at Advocacy?
My primary areas of focus at the Office of Advocacy are regulations involving the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and environmental justice. I also serve as Advocacy’s representative to the Administrative Conference of the United States. In the past, I have worked on the Clean Air Act, federal lands, and chemicals issues. I have also assisted in efforts to make the regulatory process more accessible to the public, including small businesses.
What do you enjoy most about working on these issues?
Environmental law has always been interesting because it, like me, was created sometime around the early 1970s. The major statutes and rules are still changing and new issues, such as climate change, are also impacting the way environmental regulations are discussed. Additionally, as the impact of environmental law on society grows, more sectors, including small businesses, are making their voices heard. In brief, environmental law isn’t going to get boring anytime soon.
What do you enjoy most about working at the Office of Advocacy?
All federal regulations restrict activities and include direct costs. For this reason, I have always felt that regulations need to be crafted as narrowly as possible so that they can accomplish their intended goal while causing the least impact. Those with ample resources can absorb these effects while small businesses cannot. Advocacy gives a voice during the rulemaking process to the parties who are most vulnerable to regulatory costs and impacts. I am extremely proud to be a part of that.
If you could give one piece of advice to a small business owner concerned about regulations, what would it be?
Be involved in your government. Whenever a rule is proposed, there are often multiple ways to make your voice heard. This includes submitting comments or meeting with federal officials. Remember, the people writing federal regulations often have not worked in the businesses covered by their rules. You have. Your expertise can help federal agencies craft better regulations because you can explain exactly how their rules will impact your industry. Finally, reach out to the Office of Advocacy. Let our Regional Advocates and DC Staff help make your voice heard.