Video: Gina McCarthy & Janet McCabe on Climate Action: Why Local Governments Matter (IU Talk Feb. 5, 2026)

Former White House National Climate Advisor and former U.S. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy joined former U.S. EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe at Indiana University for a wide-ranging conversation on climate policy, public health, and what action looks like when federal leadership stalls.

McCabe emphasized why state and local leadership matters—mayors and local officials are the ones answering to neighbors after extreme-weather events and flooding.

McCarthy argued that with the federal government effectively absent on climate, communities should “grab a partner and run with it,” pointing to states, cities, and businesses driving progress anyway.

The discussion also touched on the Inflation Reduction Act, EPA implementation challenges, and the importance of science-based standards that protect public health.

Bloomington, Indiana — February 5, 2026. (Video by Jeremy Hogan/The Bloomingtonian)

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