Renee Cipriano

Renee Cipriano provides environmental strategic planning and counseling with respect to statutory and regulatory requirements, enforcement and compliance. Her past experience as Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and as the Governor of Illinois’ Senior Advisor on Environment and Natural Resources provide her with a valuable perspective into the complexity of government policy.

As a partner with Thompson Coburn’s national Environmental Group, Renee is a trusted adviser with a creative approach to problem solving. She believes that there is a solution to every problem, and that a well-timed step back and a fresh look at what is causing the roadblock — as well as every available option — can be crucial. She knows from experience that often a policy change, a change in law, or a small compromise can yield cost-effective and timely results.

Renee helps corporations and manufacturers assess legislative, regulatory and policy initiatives that affect their project development plans and business strategy. She goes above and beyond simply telling her clients what approvals or permits are needed; instead, she analyzes and determines the most effective ways to move the business objective forward, whether the plan involves reaching out to the community, the media, third-parties or legislators. Her practice includes a heavy emphasis on government relations and public law and policy, as well as third party litigation and challenges, with a thorough understanding of the legal landscape in Illinois as well as other states throughout the country.

Renee also has overseen complex multidimensional infrastructure projects, brownfields redevelopment projects and renewable energy projects.

Previous Experience

As IEPA Director, Renee advised the governor on environmental and energy policy and legislation while overseeing a staff of approximately 1,200 and a budget exceeding $1 billion. Earlier, she served as IEPA Associate Director and Chief Counsel, Senior Advisor to Illinois Governor on Environmental and Natural Resources and as Assistant Attorney General in the Environmental Control Division of the Illinois Attorney General.