2010–Present The Work of the Section Continues

The Section continues to meet changes and challenges in its docket and in the wider world with professionalism and dedication. During this period, the Section works on major cases defining the reach of the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act, addressing the Executive Branch’s power to set aside and manage federal lands, defending new infrastructure projects needed to meet the demands of the 21^st century, confirming the scope of Tribal treaty rights and Tribal sovereignty, and more. Climate change and environmental justice become increasingly salient considerations in federal decision making generally and in the Section’s cases specifically. Meanwhile, changing administrations and priorities, and academic and judicial debate surrounding longstanding principles of administrative law, pose their own challenges. Also during this period, the Section rises to the historic challenge of pursuing its mission during a global pandemic, adapting to new technologies and ways of working in the process.

In 2022, longtime Section Chief Jim Kilbourne retires and is succeeded by Andrew Mergen. After Andrew Mergen’s retirement from federal service, Jennifer Scheller Neumann becomes Section Chief. She is aided by Assistant Chiefs Billy Lazarus, Robert Lundman, and Rachel Heron.