Jeffrey R. Holmstead
Member, RFF President's Council; Partner, Bracewell
Jeff Holmstead, former assistant administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Air and Radiation, is one of the nation’s leading climate change lawyers as recognized by Chambers USA (2008–2019) and heads the environmental strategies group (ESG) at Bracewell. The ESG is a multi-disciplinary group that includes environmental and energy attorneys, public policy advocates and strategic communications experts—most of whom have had high-level government experience. Under Holmstead’s leadership, they work together on a daily basis to advise and defend companies and business groups confronting major environmental and energy-development challenges, both domestically and globally.
From his time in both the government and the private sector, Holmstead is very familiar with the environmental and energy challenges facing the business community. He advises clients dealing with an increasingly complex regulatory, legal and public relations landscape, drawing on his experience in policy development, administrative and legislative advocacy, litigation and strategic communications. He has worked with clients in a number of industries on issues related to climate change, Clean Air Act policy and enforcement, and energy policy—including the development of new coal-fired power plants, refineries, renewable energy sources, and electric transmission infrastructure.
Holmstead headed the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation from 2001 to 2005, longer than anyone in EPA history. During his tenure, he was the architect of several of the agency’s most important initiatives, including the Clean Air Interstate Rule, the Clean Air Diesel Rule, the Mercury Rule for power plants and the reform of the New Source Review program. He also oversaw the development of the Bush Administration’s Clear Skies Legislation and key parts of its Global Climate Change Initiative. Between 1989 and 1993, Holmstead served on the White House Staff as Associate Counsel to former President George H.W. Bush. In that capacity, he was involved in the passage of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and the key steps taken to implement those amendments. From 1987 to 1988, he served as a law clerk to Judge Douglas H. Ginsburg on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
Featured Content
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Common Resources — Jan 30, 2023
Climate Policy in the Courts
The Supreme Court decision West Virginia v. EPA in 2022 holds significance and creates uncertainty for environmental regulations. This conversation with experts helps explain why and explores potential legal hurdles for future climate policy.
RFF Live — Jul 7, 2022
Climate Change and the Supreme Court: West Virginia v. EPA
A conversation on the recent Supreme Court decision and its consequences for emissions regulation and climate change efforts
Resources Magazine — Feb 25, 2021
Big Decisions: The Future of US Environmental and Energy Policy
On the Resources Radio podcast, guest hosts Richard G. Newell and Susan F. Tierney talked with leading decisionmakers, analysts, researchers, and reporters about the big decisions that will impact US environmental and energy policy in the years to come.
Resources Radio — Oct 13, 2020
Big Decisions in Administrative Law, with Jody Freeman and Jeff Holmstead
Legal scholars explore how a new or sitting presidential administration may prioritize energy issues and plan policy around a skeptical Supreme Court.
RFF Live — Jul 7, 2022
Climate Change and the Supreme Court: West Virginia v. EPA
A conversation on the recent Supreme Court decision and its consequences for emissions regulation and climate change efforts
Workshop — Sep 16, 2019
How Well Are Our Environmental Laws Working? Retrospective Analysis of Federal Environmental Regulation
How Well Are Our Environmental Laws Working? Retrospective Analysis of Federal Environmental Regulation
RFF Live — Jun 27, 2019
CPP vs. ACE: Evaluating the Economic and Legal Impacts
Examining the economic and legal implications of the ACE rule
Conference — Jun 10, 2019
Lessons from the Clean Air Act
A symposium on the lessons learned from the Clean Air Act
Common Resources — Jan 30, 2023
Climate Policy in the Courts
The Supreme Court decision West Virginia v. EPA in 2022 holds significance and creates uncertainty for environmental regulations. This conversation with experts helps explain why and explores potential legal hurdles for future climate policy.
Resources Magazine — Feb 25, 2021
Big Decisions: The Future of US Environmental and Energy Policy
On the Resources Radio podcast, guest hosts Richard G. Newell and Susan F. Tierney talked with leading decisionmakers, analysts, researchers, and reporters about the big decisions that will impact US environmental and energy policy in the years to come.
Resources Radio — Oct 13, 2020
Big Decisions in Administrative Law, with Jody Freeman and Jeff Holmstead
Legal scholars explore how a new or sitting presidential administration may prioritize energy issues and plan policy around a skeptical Supreme Court.