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Band 3
Provided by Gary C Rikard
Environmental; Economic Development; Disaster Assistance
Gary C. Rikard is a member of the Regulatory & Government Relations Team at Butler Snow. With nearly 30 years of experience in environmental law and policy, he brings a unique blend of public and private sector expertise.
Rikard began his career as an engineer with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) after earning his undergraduate degree. Following completion of his J.D., he returned to MDEQ to serve in its Legal Division for nearly three years before transitioning into private practice.
In 2014, Rikard was appointed Executive Director of MDEQ, where he led the agency through the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement—the largest environmental damage settlement in U.S. history. As Mississippi’s Natural Resource Trustee, the Governor’s representative on the RESTORE Council, and the state’s primary contact for the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Federation, Rikard played a central role in restoring Mississippi’s natural resources.
During his tenure, he also implemented a comprehensive restructuring of MDEQ, enhancing its efficiency and effectiveness in safeguarding public health and the environment. Rikard returned to Butler Snow in 2020, resuming his environmental law practice and advising clients on complex regulatory matters across all environmental media.
With dual training in engineering and law, Rikard offers innovative, practical solutions to clients navigating intricate regulatory challenges.
He is admitted to practice in Mississippi and Tennessee, as well as before the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Environmental Council of the States (ECOS); American Bar Association, Section on Environment, Energy and Resources; Mississippi Bar Association, Section on Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law: Past President.
University of Mississippi, J.D., cum laude 1993; Christian Brothers University, B.S, cum laude 1991.
Provided by Chambers
Gary Rikard is an experienced attorney with a respected environmental practice, advising clients on permitting issues relating to the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, as well as environmental response actions. Gary's experience as an engineer provides him with a unique perspective when advising clients.
Provided by Chambers
Gary is well-credentialed and very active.
Gary is well-credentialed and very active.