NEW YORK (September 19, 2025) – In recognition of her transformative work with frontline communities battling petrochemical pollution and advancing environmental justice, Heather McTeer Toney, executive director of Beyond Petrochemicals, has been named to the prestigious 2025 Forbes Sustainability Leaders list. The Forbes Sustainability Leaders list highlights innovators, executives, and policymakers who are shaping a sustainable future through bold climate action. Past recipients have included Dr. Jane Goodall and White House Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy.  

“Being named a 2025 Forbes Sustainability Leader is an honor and a reflection of the incredible progress of Beyond Petrochemicals,” said McTeer Toney. “From canceled plants to empowered communities, our collective fight proves what’s possible when we put people first. I’m deeply grateful for every partner who stands on the frontlines with us. This recognition belongs to you, too!”

Under McTeer Toney's leadership, Beyond Petrochemicals has emerged as a powerful force in the fight against petrochemical pollution, particularly in communities along the Gulf Coast and throughout the Ohio River Valley. The campaign amplifies the work of frontline organizations and community leaders who have been battling polluters for years. To date, the campaign and its network of partners have secured 31 wins and averted 42 million pounds of carbon pollution each year. 

"Heather's leadership exemplifies the kind of essential, community-centered approach that makes change happen for our health, for our planet, and for our very future," said Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., the campaign chair of Beyond Petrochemicals and president and CEO of Hip Hop Caucus. "Under her leadership, Beyond Petrochemicals has stood behind communities to stop petrochemical pollution and carry this work forward.” 

As a former Mississippi mayor and EPA regional administrator, McTeer Toney brings decades of experience in environmental policy and community advocacy to her current role. Her work has been particularly vital as the EPA and other agencies have lost resources for research, monitoring, and enforcement, all of which are critical to protect communities from toxic petrochemical pollution. 

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MEDIA CONTACT: Matt Smelser, [email protected]

About Beyond Petrochemicals

Beyond Petrochemicals: People Over Pollution is a national campaign working to stop the rapid growth of petrochemical and plastic pollution in the U.S. Focused on over 120 proposed projects in Louisiana, Texas, and the Ohio River Valley, the campaign supports frontline community efforts and pushes for stronger regulations to safeguard the health of American communities.

For more information, please visit us at beyondpetrochemicals.org and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.