Albany, NY — The Rockefeller Institute of Government is proud to announce that Deputy Director of Research Dr. Laura Rabinow has joined the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) on a temporary assignment. CEQ coordinates the federal government’s efforts to improve, preserve, and protect America’s public health and environment. CEQ, which was created in 1969 by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), advises the President and develops policies on climate change, environmental justice, federal sustainability, public lands, oceans, and wildlife conservation, among other areas. Dr. Rabinow will lend her considerable expertise to CEQ’s efforts to coordinate a whole-of-government response to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS).

“This is a fantastic opportunity,” said Rockefeller Institute President Bob Megna. “Laura is a top-tier scholar with practical government experience and the Institute is proud to share her expertise. She will be an invaluable asset to the White House as they continue to expand the federal government’s efforts to address PFAS.”

“The Rockefeller Institute, a respected public policy think tank, has been engaged for years in research to reverse the impact of ‘forever chemicals’ dumped in our state,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. “It comes as no surprise the federal government would seek expertise for solving this critical public policy problem from the Institute’s ranks. Congratulations to Dr. Laura Rabinow for this well-deserved appointment.”

“I am deeply honored to join this team of dedicated public servants and scholars and am grateful to the leadership at the Rockefeller Institute and SUNY for supporting this assignment,” said Rockefeller Institute Deputy Director of Research Laura Rabinow. “Now is a critical time to address the challenges related to PFAS. I look forward to working with CEQ to facilitate this important work.”

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals commonly found in items like nonstick cookware, cleaning products, and firefighting foams. These substances pose potential risks to human health and the environment, including complications with reproductive and developmental health, and have been linked to various cancers. Their pervasiveness in industrial and consumer products, their accumulation in wildlife, food crops, and people’s bodies, and their resistance to breaking down in the environment have raised concerns around their widespread prevalence and potential long-term effects.

While on temporary assignment, Dr. Laura Rabinow will continue her work at the Rockefeller Institute where she supports and advances the broad array of research projects conducted by the Institute.