President & Executive Director
Environmental Law & Policy Center
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Howard A. Learner is an experienced public interest litigation attorney serving as the President and Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center – the Midwest’s premier environmental legal advocacy and eco-business innovation organization, and among the nation’s leaders. Mr. Learner is responsible for the overall strategic leadership, policy direction and financial platform of ELPC’s successful work promoting clean energy development solutions to climate change problems, advancing transportation innovations and improvements, including development of regional high-speed rail solutions, and preserving the Midwest’s valued natural resources and heritage.
Mr. Learner founded the ELPC in 1993 as an entrepreneurial start-up following his work as General Counsel for Business and Professional People for the Public Interest, which specializes in complex civil rights, environmental, energy and economic development litigation. Mr. Learner began his legal career as a civil rights attorney focusing on housing issues, neighborhood revitalization, and advancing economic inclusion for diverse communities. He served as a Senior Advisor for Energy and Environmental Issues for President Barack Obama in his successful first Presidential campaign.
Much of Mr. Learner’s work concentrates on developing and advocating new directions on environmental and energy policy issues, including: developing clean renewable energy and energy efficiency resources to avoid greenhouse gases, mercury, and other pollution from conventional power plants while creating jobs and advancing economic growth; accelerating sustainable transportation strategies, and leading national and regional efforts to develop a high-speed rail network that can produce complementary environmental quality, economic development and employment benefits; and protecting the Great Lakes and the Midwest’s vital wild and natural places.
Mr. Learner is an (Adjunct) Professor at the University of Chicago Law School teaching the advanced seminar on Environmental Constitutionalism this year. He received his J.D. from Harvard Law School, and his B.A. from the University of Michigan.
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Thursday, November 7, 2024
9:25 AM – 9:55 AM CT