Cindy Newberg, director of the Stratospheric Protection Division in the Office of Atmospheric Programs of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, recently received the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal in Science, Environment and Technology.

Newberg earned the award for her efforts to reduce the usage of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are very powerful greenhouse gases and significant contributors to climate change, according to a Sept. 20 news release.

“We are so proud of Cindy for winning the 2022 Samuel J. Heyman Medal. Cindy worked to build a coalition of industry leaders, environmental groups and countries from across the world to commit to a global, unified phasedown of HFCs, protecting people and the planet,” EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in the release. “With an unwavering dedication to reducing HFC emissions, both at home and abroad, Cindy has proven to be the epitome of public service and inspires all of us at EPA.”

The Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal, also known as the Sammies, is a prestigious award presented yearly by the Partnership for Public Service after a thorough screening process, the release reported.

Newberg was acknowledged for her more than a decade worth of effort in addressing the manufacturing and importing of HFCs worldwide and in the U.S. According to the release, Newberg also served a pivotal role in negotiating the Kigali Amendment for the Montreal Protocol, offering technical assistance and analysis during international negotiation meetings. 

The Kigali Amendment gradually reduces worldwide HFC production and consumption by 80-85% by 2047, the release reported. By the end of the century, it is anticipated this will stop global temperature from rising by as much as 50 degrees Celsius.

Recently, Newberg has been directing her staff at the EPA to execute the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, which would phase out HFCs in the U.S., the release reported.