During Black History Month and throughout the year, amplifying the stories of Black inventors, innovators, advocates, and pioneers of clean energy is essential. One figure who embodies the intersection of environmental leadership and representation is Lisa P. Jackson, a scientist, policy leader, and corporate environmental strategist.
From EPA administrator to corporate climate advocate
Lisa Jackson’s public service began at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which she joined in 1987 as a staff-level scientist. Over time, she advanced through EPA Region 2 in New York and later took on leadership roles, eventually joining the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in 2002. In 2009, President Barack Obama nominated Jackson to serve as the United States EPA administrator, making her the first African American to hold that role.
As EPA administrator, Jackson prioritized climate action, air quality, chemical safety, water protection, environmental justice, and cross-government collaboration. She played a key role in issuing an “endangerment finding” on greenhouse gases, laying regulatory groundwork for later climate policies. She also introduced stronger standards for vehicle and industrial emissions. Recognizing the disproportionate vulnerabilities of low-income, marginalized, and minority communities, she made environmental outreach and inclusivity central to the EPA’s mission.
After leaving federal service, Jackson joined Apple in 2013 as vice president of environment, policy, and social initiatives. In that capacity, she has overseen the company’s efforts to significantly reduce emissions—reportedly by more than 60 percent—and to chart a path toward full carbon neutrality across its operations, supply chain, and product life cycle by 2030. Her message is clear: Climate work must not be siloed as philanthropy but integrated into business strategy.
Why Lisa Jackson’s story matters
Jackson’s journey highlights several points of resonance for the clean energy and conservation fields:
- Representation matters: A leader with Jackson’s background at a national agency and experience at one of the world’s largest tech firms highlights that climate leadership comes from diverse voices.
- Systems-level impact: Whether in regulation or corporate policy, Jackson has acted on levers that influence energy, emissions, and infrastructure in systemic ways.
- Bridging equity and innovation: Her focus on environmental justice and outreach ensures that clean energy transitions don’t leave marginalized communities behind.
Recognizing Jackson’s achievements, as well as those of the many Black innovators before and alongside her, helps inspire new generations while honoring contributors to energy history. As Jackson has mentioned in public talks, solving climate challenges often begins with finding people who are inspired and engaging them in meaningful action.
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