Episode 05: Shaping Policy and Advocacy in Environmental Law with Anne Austin of Austin Legal and Public Affairs
Navigating environmental regulations is more complex than ever, and businesses must stay ahead of shifting policies.
In this episode, we sit down with Anne Austin, Founder and Attorney at Austin Legal and Public Affairs, to unpack key regulatory trends and policy shifts, as well as their impact on industries like construction and manufacturing.
Anne gained valuable experience from her role as principal deputy assistant administrator at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the first Trump administration, where she helped shape major air, water and waste regulations.
She’s here to discuss how EPA policies affect construction and infrastructure and why businesses benefit from proactively engaging with regulators. Anne also addresses the ongoing challenges surrounding PVC and the critical role of science-backed data in industry advocacy.
Key Takeaways:
(04:05) Anne experience in environmental policy at both state and federal levels.
(07:29) How the Trump administration’s deregulatory stance could reshape compliance.
(11:28) Why energy costs remain a top challenge for construction companies.
(13:59) The science-backed case for PVC and its sustainability benefits.
(18:41) How misinformation impacts material choices in construction.
(21:56) The importance of engaging with the EPA before it makes a ruling.
(23:20) Why industry players must engage early with regulators and counter misinformation with science.
(26:01) How businesses can effectively influence EPA rulemaking.
(27:57) Why direct conversations with regulatory agencies are critical for shaping policy.
Resources Mentioned:
Austin Legal and Public Affairs
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Clean Water Act & Clean Air Act
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