The Environmental Law Institute and the DC Bar Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Section co-sponsored a seminar on March 13, 2003 featuring Thomas L. Sansonetti, Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) at the US Department of Justice. Mr. Sansonetti’s professional background includes, serving as partner in the Cheyenne office of Holland & Hart, Solicitor for the Department of the Interior from 1990-1993 and Interior’s Associate Solicitor for Energy and Resources from 1987-1989. He also served as Legislative Director for Wyoming Congressman Craig Thomas during the 101st Congress.
Appointed in November 2001 to be Assistant Attorney General, Mr. Sansonetti is in charge of the Environmental and Natural Resource Division at the Department of Justice. The ENRD, organized into nine sections, has the primary responsibility of litigation on behalf of the United States in six key areas: (1) prevention and cleanup of pollution, (2) environmental challenges to federal programs and activities, (3) stewardship of public lands and natural resources, (4) acquisition of property for federal needs, (5) wildlife protection, and (6) Indian rights and claims.
Mr. Sansonetti highlighted the Administration’s environmental enforcement priorities and some of the important legal issues that the Division is addressing.