James Gignac is Midwest Policy Director for the Climate & Energy program at the Union of Concerned Scientists. In this role, Mr. Gignac focuses on strategic energy policy advocacy and contributes to UCS research, analysis, and communication efforts. His work centers on progressive energy policy, regulatory results, and market reforms designed to modernize the electric grid and facilitate the equitable transition away from polluting fossil fuels and toward greater use of clean energy resources.
Prior to joining UCS, Mr. Gignac served as environmental and energy counsel and as assistant attorney general to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, where he worked on a variety of regulatory, legislative, and litigation matters involving clean energy, climate change, and environmental protection. Before his time in state government, Mr. Gignac was Midwest director for the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign and represented private sector clients in environmental matters with the law firm Mayer Brown LLP.
Mr. Gignac earned a JD from Harvard Law School, and a BA in history and political science from Albion College. He previously served as a board member with Chicago Market, a cooperatively-owned grocery store, and volunteers weekly with the Care for Real food pantry in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood. Mr. Gignac has been quoted widely, including by The Chicago Tribune, Crain’s, and numerous other outlets.