Anne Irene McGill was born on April 21, 1942, in Wyoming. She grew up in a politically active family, which influenced her decision to pursue a career in politics. McGill attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she studied political science and graduated with honors. She then went on to attend the University of Colorado Law School, where she honed her legal skills and graduated at the top of her class.
After graduating from law school, McGill began her career as a lawyer, specializing in environmental law. Her passion for protecting the environment led her to work for various government agencies, where she gained valuable experience in policy-making and regulation.
In 1981, McGill was appointed by President Ronald Reagan as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, becoming the first woman to hold this position. During her tenure, she made significant changes to the agency's policies and regulations, advocating for deregulation and limited government intervention in environmental matters.
One of the most controversial moments of McGill's career came when she refused to hand over records related to the $1.6 billion toxic waste Superfund to Congress. This defiance led to her being cited for contempt of Congress, making her the first agency director in U.S. history to face such charges.
McGill married David Gorsuch, a fellow lawyer, and the couple had two children together. Despite the challenges she faced in her career, McGill remained devoted to her family and found solace in their love and support.
Throughout her career, McGill was recognized for her dedication to environmental protection and her commitment to public service. She was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study criminal law in Jaipur, India, further demonstrating her passion for justice and the rule of law.
Despite the controversies surrounding her tenure at the EPA, McGill's legacy as a trailblazing female politician and environmental advocate continues to inspire future generations. Her contributions to environmental policy and regulation have had a lasting impact on the field, shaping the way we approach environmental protection and conservation.