James Gignac Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il, Us

Chicago, Illinois, United States

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent national nonprofit that uses science to protect our health, safety, and environment.In my current role with UCS, I serve in an expert and team leadership capacity to manage and shape UCS's clean energy policy agenda in the Midwest. Together with my colleagues, I plan, coordinate, and engage in strategic energy policy advocacy efforts, and also play key roles in UCS’s research, analysis, and communication efforts on progressive energy policy, regulatory results, and market reforms designed to modernize the electric grid and facilitate the equitable transition away from polluting fossil fuels and toward greater use of clean energy resources.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

As a senior and lead analyst, I led and contributed to research and analysis to advance understanding of renewables and other energy technologies, policies, and markets, and to evaluate energy resource and climate change mitigation options in the electricity sector. I prepared testimony and regulatory comments, reviewed legislative proposals, and conducted report writing and analysis and other public commentary on clean energy issues.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Chicago, Il

I served as an assistant attorney general in an advanced special counsel role to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and her senior staff. I handled select regulatory, legislative, and litigation matters with an emphasis on renewable energy, coal, nuclear, energy efficiency, clean water, and climate change issues. I explored and evaluated new matters and cases, served as liaison to external stakeholders and groups, interacted with government officials and decision-makers, and frequently appeared before state and regional gatherings to speak and present on energy and environmental issues.State Regulatory Issues:I prepared comments and testimony for dockets pending before the Illinois Commerce Commission and Illinois Pollution Control Board and in rulemakings proposed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Power Agency, and Illinois Department of Natural Resources.Federal Multi-State Litigation and Legislative Matters:I spearheaded involvement of the Attorney General and the State of Illinois in federal legislative and multi-state litigation matters, such as the Clean Power Plan, DOE energy efficiency standards, methane regulation, FERC rulemakings and petitions, and issues affecting the Great Lakes and Chicago rivers.State Energy and Environmental Legislation:I was a leading member of the Attorney General's legal staff engaged on state energy and environmental legislation, including topics such as renewables, efficiency, carbon regulation, nuclear plants, utility rate design, and Clean Air Act permitting programs. I helped write and negotiate a bill to address fugitive dust from coke and coal transloading operations and a comprehensive law to regulate and protect water resources from potential large-scale hydraulic fracturing activities.

Chicago, Il

I managed and coordinated the campaign’s legal, grassroots organizing, and communications activities to reduce dependence on coal to generate electricity across a twelve-state Midwestern region. Our goal, successful in many cases, was to achieve a cleaner energy solution that maximized energy efficiency, wind, and solar.I developed regional campaign priorities and refined strategies and tactics, helped oversee a large portfolio of legal matters, and worked with outside counsel, experts, and budgets. I represented the campaign in media contacts, public presentations and speeches, and in interactions with public and private decision-makers. I managed two direct reports and assisted with hiring staff and with fundraising activities. I also served as Coal Working Group Leader for RE-AMP, a regional network of foundations and nonprofit organizations focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Midwest.

Chicago, Il

I represented several types of private sector clients, including the chemical, mining, railroad, wind energy, and real estate industries, in environmental litigation, transactional, and regulatory matters. I also participated extensively in pro bono programs, including successful representation of a citizen informant.

Anchorage, Ak

I served as a judicial law clerk for Justice Robert L. Eastaugh, assisting with all aspects of resolving appellate litigation.

J.D., Law

Activities and Societies: Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, Harvard Environmental Law SocietyDean's Award for Community Leadership; Executive.

B.A., History, Political Science

Activities and Societies: Delta Sigma Phi fraternitysumma cum laude; Phi Beta Kappa