Gov. Pritzker Announces James Jennings as Next Director of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Jennings builds on a decade of service with the IEPA
September 13, 2024
CHICAGO- Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced his appointment of James Jennings, environment professional and policy expert, as the next director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) pending Senate approval. James Jennings began serving as Interim Director in July.
“With over a decade of experience at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, James Jennings is uniquely qualified to promote the Agency’s mission,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I have no doubt James will bring his exceptional talent and dedication to this role, further strengthening our position as a national leader in environmental policy and bringing Illinois into the clean energy future.”
Before he was appointed Interim Director, Jennings served as Deputy Director of the IEPA, overseeing policy implementation and regulatory enforcement, as well as working in tandem with the federal EPA on initiatives impacting Illinois and surrounding states. He also led IEPA’s Materials Management and Compliance Section, during which he was named the 2021 Illinois Public Sector Employee of the Year by the Illinois Recycling Association. Jennings began at the IEPA in 2013 as legal counsel to the Agency on regulatory, permitting, and enforcement matters.
“Having devoted my career to public service, I am honored and humbled to have been entrusted with the opportunity to lead the Agency as we tackle the many environmental challenges facing Illinois,” said Director Jennings. “I look forward to working with our exceptional team of environmental professionals to ensure all Illinois residents have access to clean air, land, and water.”
Aside from his expertise at the IEPA, Jennings also serves as Vice Chair of the ASTSWMO Materials Management Committee (where he assists in the development of national materials management policy recommendations), the Environmental Council of the States, the Solid Waste Association of North America, and the Illinois Recycling Association. Jennings earned a J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Cincinnati.
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