James R. Spaanstra

Jim partners with Faegre Drinker Consulting’s national public-private partnership (P3) practice to implement new infrastructure recycling projects throughout the U.S.

Environmental Counseling and Compliance

Jim counsels commercial, industrial and governmental clients on compliance and enforcement matters involving federal environmental laws (e.g., RCRA, CERCLA, SMCRA, NEPA, EPCRA, CAA and CWA) and their state counterparts. He advises national solid and hazardous waste management companies on the siting, permitting, operation and remediation of commercial waste management facilities.

Brownfields Redevelopment

Jim helps to establish voluntary cleanup/brownfields initiatives throughout the U.S. He counsels industrial and commercial clients on the purchase and sale of contaminated properties and on environmental due diligence during the sale and acquisition of commercial and industrial facilities.

Government Energy and Environmental Leadership

Jim began his career as a staff attorney for the Council on Environmental Quality in the Executive Office of President Carter, where he advised on environmental policy.

Jim has helped draft and develop environmental laws and regulations at the local, state and federal levels. In 1980, he authored amendments to RCRA. Jim co-authored Colorado's Environmental Covenants Act (2001), Voluntary Cleanup and Redevelopment Act (1994), Mini-Superfund Act (1985), Hazardous Waste Siting Act (1983) and Hazardous Waste Act (1981).

Government Appointments

• Colorado School of Mines — Board of Trustees, 2008-January 2017 (Chair of the Board; 2010-January 2017)
• Great Outdoors Colorado — Board of Trustees, 2009-present (Treasurer, 2010-present; Vice-Chair, 2014-2015; Executive Director 2016 through February, 2017)
• Colorado Climate Action Plan Advisory Panel, 2009