State alumnus, former EPA administrator, joins environmental law firm
May 11, 2009
JACKSON, Miss. ▬ Butler, Snow, O’Mara, Stevens & Cannada, PLLC has announced that Jimmy Palmer has rejoined its Environmental Law Practice Group. Palmer most recently completed a presidential appointment as regional administrator for Region IV of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which includes Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida.
“We welcome Jimmy back to our firm with open arms. Being able to offer our clients his unparalleled experience managing environmental issues and implementing federal and state environmental laws and regulations, will significantly set us apart from other firms in the region,” said Don Clark, chairman, Butler Snow.
Palmer, along with other key attorneys in the Butler Snow Environmental Law Practice Group, hold degrees in both engineering and law.
Previously, in January 2000, Palmer joined Butler Snow’s Environmental Law Group, focusing on environmental, natural resources, and energy law including permitting and compliance, land and water resources management, and consultation. He also wrote and lectured on environmental and natural resources law and issues. He left Butler Snow in 2002 to assume his appointment as Regional Administrator for U.S. EPA Region IV, the largest of the 10 EPA regions.
Prior to joining Butler Snow, Palmer served as executive director of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), where he handled special assignments for the governor and managed the personnel, programs, and budgets of the Office of Administrative Services, Office of Geology, Office of Land and Water Resources, and Office of Pollution Control.
In addition, he served as executive director of the Office of General Services and administrative assistant and staff counsel for the Office of Mississippi Governor, William Allain. He continued to serve as MDEQ executive director through the administrations of Governor Ray Mabus and Kirk Fordice. Palmer also held the position of special assistant attorney general for William Allain when he served as Mississippi attorney general.
“Environmental policies are constantly changing, and those who are in the regulated community need to be aware of how these changes will impact their daily operations and influence long-term planning,” Palmer said. “Having been in the environmental field for over 30 years, I have gained an intimate knowledge of these issues and I look forward to bringing positive solutions to Butler Snow and its clients.”
Palmer received his bachelor’s in civil engineering from Mississippi State University and his juris doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Law.