Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Hathaway as the new Director of Environment and Climate Justice. Ryan joins L4GG following an extensive career in federal service, most recently serving in the Biden administration as the Director for Environmental Justice and White House Interagency Council on Environmental Justice in the Executive Office of the President.
Prior to his work at the White House, Ryan held key leadership roles at the U.S. Department of the Interior, including serving as Environmental Justice Coordinator, where he played a central role in advancing environmental justice initiatives and major infrastructure projects. He also led the Department’s Major Infrastructure, Permitting, NEPA, and FAST-41 Program and previously served as Branch Chief for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Land Use Planning at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). With more than 15 years of experience spanning federal civil service, policy development, program management, and leadership of multi-billion-dollar national and international programs, Ryan brings a wealth of expertise to L4GG at a critical moment for environmental and climate justice advocacy.
“Ryan’s deep experience in environmental justice policy and federal climate initiatives makes him an invaluable addition to our team,” said Traci Feit Love, Executive Director of Lawyers for Good Government. “At a time when climate action and environmental protections are facing unprecedented legal and political challenges, Ryan’s leadership will help L4GG continue fighting for the rights of communities most impacted by climate change and environmental harm.”
In his new role, Ryan will lead the strategic vision and execution of L4GG’s Climate Change & Environmental Justice initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and the broader fight for environmental justice, direct the Green and Equitable Communities Clinic, and launch L4GG’s upcoming Fund Protection Clinic, which will engage pro bono attorneys to help federal grantees in defense of federal funding.
“I’m thrilled to be joining L4GG at such a pivotal time for environmental and climate justice,” said Ryan Hathaway. “I strongly believe that government works best when it works for everyone, and am excited that L4GG’s legal network is uniquely positioned to hold policymakers accountable, fight for frontline communities, and protect the environmental laws that safeguard public health and our planet. I look forward to leading this critical work and partnering with advocates nationwide to advance climate justice.”
"Ryan brings exceptional expertise in environmental justice programs and a proven commitment to advancing climate justice," said Jillian Blanchard, Vice President of Climate Change and Environmental Justice at L4GG. "His extensive background working across federal agencies and with diverse stakeholders positions him perfectly to strengthen our environmental advocacy work and expand our ability to support communities on the frontlines of climate change. We're excited to have his leadership as we build on our legal initiatives to protect environmental rights and communities."