Executive Brief • July 24, 2025
NAEM
"We will be known forever by the tracks we leave."
Dakota Proverb
Trump Administration Shuts Down EPA's Scientific Research Arm
The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to shutter the agency's scientific research arm that provides expertise for environmental policies and regulations, as part of the Trump administration's continuing downsizing of the federal government.
NPR

OSHA Just Reduced the Value of a Worker’s Life
The Trump administration slashed fines for safety violations by small businesses and other employers and plans to reduce already rare workplace inspections. Experts say that will lead to more worker injuries, illnesses, and deaths.
Inside Climate News

How Leaders Fight Back Against Overwork
Mindfulness will only get you so far when you’re drowning in work. Consider these surprising lessons from busy leaders who’ve found strategies that work.
MIT Sloan Management Review

U.S. Companies Are Still Investing in Sustainability – But Aren’t Talking About it: Survey
The vast majority of large U.S. companies are maintaining or even increasing investments in ESG initiatives, as most executives view sustainability as a driver of competitive advantage and growth, but many are talking less about it publicly in the face of growing political and regulatory scrutiny.
ESG Today

Southwest US's Alarming 'Megadrought' Could Last Until 2100
Parts of the United States may be in a drought that will last until the end of the century, according to a concerning new study.
Newsweek
 
NAEM Awards
2025 NAEM Excellence Awards
2025 NAEM Excellence Awards
Nominations Open Through Aug. 29

The NAEM Excellence Awards recognize and elevate individual leaders in the environmental, health and safety, and/or sustainability community, as well as showcase best practices of EHS & Sustainability management. Nominate a deserving colleague, client, or yourself today!
 
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NAEM Research
Webinar: EHS & Sustainability Staffing, Structure & Budget Insights
Access 70+ EHS & Sustainability Benchmarks
NAEM’s Staffing, Structure & Budget Report includes more than 70 figures comparing the EHS and Sustainability functions at nearly 150 companies by budget, structure, staffing, responsibilities, and more. Start optimizing your EHS & Sustainability function today!
 
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NAEM Webinars
From Data to Impact: Scaling Sustainability Across Manufacturing Enterprises
From Data to Impact: Scaling Sustainability Across Manufacturing Enterprises
August 26, 2025
2:00 - 3:00 PM ET

During this results-focused webinar, industry leaders will share how they’re transforming sustainability strategies into operational success. Learn how they harness data-driven insights, foster collaboration across teams, and deploy advanced tools to achieve tangible outcomes.
 
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NAEM Conferences
IMPACT25 | Advancing Industrial Efficiency and Waste Reduction
IMPACT25 | Advancing Industrial Efficiency & Waste Reduction
August 13, 2025
Virtual Event

Explore the different ways your peers are reducing waste and increasing efficiencies in their plants and facilities. Industry leaders will share strategies to help you advance industrial efficiency investments and technologies that help reduce environmental impacts and achieve cost-savings.
 
REGISTER
FORUM25 | EHS & Sustainability Management Forum
FORUM25 | EHS & Sustainability Management Forum
October 21-23, 2025
Tucson, AZ

In an era marked by unstable geopolitics, rapidly changing regulations, and an increasing frequency of extreme weather events, FORUM25 is focused on the critical challenges our organizations are facing globally and how our profession is adapting.
 
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EHS&S Job Opportunities
Health & Safety Specialist 3
Smith+Nephew
Columbia, Maryland

Risk Control Advisor II / Senior Risk Control Advisor
ACWA JPIA
Central Valley of California (Remote)

Assistant Professor, Occupational Safety and Health
Murray State University
Murray, Kentucky

Geologists
Hydro-Environmental Technologies Inc. (HETI)
Lumberton, New Jersey