Heather McTeer Toney recognized by Forbes as global climate leader

JANS – Greenville, MS native and former mayor of the delta city, Heather McTeer Toney, is among Forbes Sustainability Leaders list honoring 50 individuals worldwide who are “setting the pace for a just, sustainable economy and defining what climate leadership looks like today.” 

Toney serves as Executive Director of Beyond Petrochemicals, launched by Mike Bloomberg in 2022 to stop the rapid expansion of over 120 new U.S. petrochemical facilities in three regions disproportionately affected by toxic pollution: Louisiana, Texas, and the Ohio River Valley. 

“Being named a 2025 Forbes Sustainability Leader is an honor and a reflection of the incredible progress of the Beyond Petrochemicals Campaign,” said Toney who also served under President Obama as a regional administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “From canceled plants to empowered communities, our collective fight proves what’s possible when we put people first. I’m deeply grateful to every partner walking this journey with us. The work continues, and the best is yet to come. This recognition belongs to you, too!”

Since its founding, Beyond Petrochemicals has helped create a coalition of local organizers, lawyers, and scientists that has stopped 26 planned plants, preventing over 40 million tons of annual carbon pollution.