Indianapolis, Indiana – Environmental policy expert Janet McCabe, with her extensive background in public service, law, and academia, is returning to Indiana University for a yearlong appointment starting July 1, 2025. McCabe, a recognized leader in environmental policy, will serve in multiple roles at IU, contributing to both academic institutions and the environmental community. She will work at the IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law, the IU Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and the IU Environmental Resilience Institute, bringing her wealth of experience to both students and faculty alike.
“I am so pleased to be returning to Indiana University,” McCabe said. “The opportunity to work with students, faculty, and researchers in the law and public policy schools, and with the amazing staff at the IU Environmental Resilience Institute, brings together so many issues and ideas that I have spent my career working on. It takes both law and public policy to effect change for the benefit of society, especially in the challenging area of climate change, and IU is training the best of the best to make a difference.”
McCabe’s appointment will see her work across several IU departments, allowing her to draw on a broad range of perspectives and expertise. As a distinguished scholar at IU McKinney, she will provide invaluable guidance and mentorship to students who are pursuing careers in law and environmental policy. Her presence aligns perfectly with the vision of the law school’s benefactor, Robert H. McKinney, whose passion for environmental sustainability matches McCabe’s own lifelong commitment to climate advocacy.
“Her exemplary career in environmental policy perfectly aligns with environmental sustainability—the cause closest to the heart of the law school’s benefactor, Robert H. McKinney,” said Dean Karen E. Bravo of the IU McKinney School of Law. “We know Janet will be a tremendous resource for our students and for our faculty. And we trust that her work will help to enhance our collaborations with other IU units during her time with us.”
In addition to her work at the McKinney School of Law, McCabe will serve as a visiting professor at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, contributing to both the Indianapolis and Bloomington campuses. At the O’Neill School, she will also take on the role of executive in residence within the O’Neill Center for Leadership in Public Service. In this capacity, she will engage with students through guest lectures, seminars, and professional coaching. McCabe’s vast experience will also help strengthen the school’s relationships with critical stakeholders and guide students seeking careers in environmental public service.
“Janet McCabe’s work throughout her career has been a testament to the power of public service, and her passion for protecting both people and the planet is truly inspiring,” said Siân Mooney, dean of the O’Neill School. “We’re thrilled she is returning to IU to share her invaluable experience with our students.”
McCabe’s return to IU also includes a senior policy advisor role at the Environmental Resilience Institute, a key initiative that focuses on advancing sustainability and resilience in Indiana’s communities. As part of her responsibilities, she will oversee the relaunch of the Indiana Climate Change Impacts Assessment, an essential project aimed at evaluating the state’s vulnerability to climate change and developing strategies for mitigation and adaptation. McCabe’s leadership will also help strengthen the Environmental Resilience Institute’s network of municipal partners, enhancing collaborative efforts to address climate goals across the state.
“Janet is a bridge builder who understands how to bring people together to address environmental threats and improve the health and safety of communities,” said Gabe Filippelli, Executive Director of the Environmental Resilience Institute. “As a former Environmental Resilience Institute director, she forged relationships with local governments across the state that led to one of the most innovative community-based climate action models in the country and expanded opportunities for IU students to get a head start on their sustainability careers. The institute is thrilled to welcome Janet back to IU as we expand efforts to assist Hoosier communities with their climate goals.”
Before returning to IU, McCabe had an impactful tenure at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where she served as the deputy administrator from April 2021 to October 2024. During her time at the EPA, she played a crucial role in shaping national environmental policies, overseeing the management of the agency’s workforce and operations. Her leadership at the EPA also extended to directing key programs aimed at protecting air quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and advancing climate resilience on a national scale.
McCabe’s involvement with the EPA dates back to 2009, when she joined the Office of Air and Radiation. Her previous experience also includes executive director of Improving Kids’ Environment, an Indianapolis-based environmental health advocacy organization focused on children’s health. Additionally, McCabe has held various leadership roles within the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s Office of Air Quality, further solidifying her expertise in environmental regulation and policy.
Her distinguished career is marked by a deep commitment to public service, a drive for legislative action, and a determination to promote environmental sustainability. McCabe’s decision to return to academia at Indiana University is seen as a significant boost to IU’s ongoing efforts to engage students in solving the world’s most pressing environmental issues.
McCabe’s work will also focus on helping students understand the intersection of law, public policy, and environmental science, ensuring they are equipped to tackle the complex challenges of climate change and sustainability. With her extensive experience, McCabe is poised to inspire a new generation of leaders who are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in the fields of law, public policy, and environmental advocacy.
As Indiana University welcomes McCabe back into its academic fold, students, faculty, and the broader community are eager to engage with her on the critical environmental issues of our time. Her return to IU marks a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to environmental resilience, sustainability, and public service. With McCabe’s leadership and expertise, IU is well-positioned to continue shaping the future of environmental policy and climate action at both the state and national levels.
In her return to Indiana University, McCabe will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of environmental leaders and provide critical support in advancing the university’s mission of addressing the pressing challenges of climate change, public policy, and environmental sustainability. Through her work at IU, McCabe will continue to lead by example, empowering both students and communities to take meaningful action on behalf of the planet.
