Mary D. Nichols

As Chair of the California Air Resources Board, Mary Nichols has been the central person behind the development of science-based, cost-effective and health-protective control strategies starting in the 1970s for air pollutants and through today for policies that also address climate change. Under her leadership, these forward-looking and ground-breaking approaches have led to remarkable improvements in airborne particles and ozone, avoiding countless premature deaths as well as diseases. She currently leads a unique implementation of climate change policies. Her strong leadership has resulted in effective approaches to protect public health and welfare that are emulated on national and international scales.