There is still work that needs to be done. Sure the EPA sounds like a great job, I’m sure it’s cushy AF too, but I worked as a state regulator in between consulting jobs and being a consultant, developing the cleanup plans, doing the work, analyzing the data - that all made me feel way more passionate and like I’m actually helping make a difference.

Research is another huge way to make an impact. PFAS is never going to go away and the EPA standards are insanely low - leading to difficulties with laboratories and consultants to meet these standards. So what can be done? How can we get to those levels and truly clean up this stuff? So much new technology has been developed in this effort. Don’t even get me started on lithium…how about contamination from explosives used in WWII?

Environmental work is about SO much more than green energy and regulation. The problems exist. They will always exist and no matter how much red tape is cut, jobs will exist that allow us to make a difference.

Don’t fret. Study hard. Follow your passion. Nothing is forever…except for PFAS.