Steven Chester Elected as Fellow of American College of Environmental Lawyers

The American College of Environmental Lawyers (ACOEL) is a professional association of distinguished lawyers who are dedicated to maintaining and improving the ethical practice of environmental law, the administration of justice and the development of environmental law at the state and federal level. Membership is by invitation and members are recognized by their peers as preeminent in their field.

“Steve Chester has vast and diverse experience in the area of environmental law,” said Miller Canfield CEO Michael McGee. “In both the private and public sectors, Steve is a true leader and an exceptional attorney. His expertise will be an asset to ACOEL as much as it is an asset to Miller Canfield and our clients.”

Chester began his career in environmental law as a Wayne County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, then as a Michigan Assistant Attorney General, and later served as the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Deputy Director for the Office of Criminal Enforcement. From 2003 to 2010, Chester served as Director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the highest ranking environmental regulatory position in the state. From 2011 to 2014, he re-joined EPA as Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.

In private practice at Miller Canfield, Chester advises clients on compliance and regulatory matters associated with a broad range of federal and state environmental laws, including air, water, wetlands, critical dunes, inland lakes and streams requirements, among others. His notable private and public sector work includes:

Served as environmental counsel for the purchaser of the RACER Willow Run “Arsenal of Democracy” site located in Ypsilanti Township, now home to one of the nation’s premier automated and connected vehicle technology research and development facilities.
Provided environmental transaction support to a Chinese-based client in the multi-million dollar purchase of a sprawling float glass manufacturing complex.
Served as a Michigan Cabinet Member responsible for the administration and oversight of Michigan’s air quality, water and wetland resources, land management, and remediation and redevelopment programs.
Represented both private and public sector clients in state and federal environmental litigation, and in appellate advocacy before the Michigan Court of Appeals, Michigan Supreme Court, and the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Chester is a fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation, and is recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Environmental Law. He is a member of the American Bar Association Section of Natural Resources, Energy, and Environmental Law, and is the current Chair of the Board of Directors for the Center for Climate Strategies.