Washington, D.C., May 12, 2025 – Earth & Water Law, LLC (E&W Law) announced today the addition of Aurelia S. Giacometto to the partnership. As a distinguished environmental regulation and policy leader, Aurelia brings over 20 years of experience in agriculture, wildlife conservation, and energy development. Most recently, she served as the 14th Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), where she led efforts to improve regulatory transparency, strengthen accountability, and streamline environmental permitting—including under the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act—in one of the most industrialized states in the nation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Aurelia to our partnership at E&W Law. Her wealth of experience and dedication to environmental law will undoubtedly strengthen our firm and enhance the services we provide to our clients. We look forward to the innovative perspectives and leadership she will bring as we navigate the complex legal landscape together,” said Brent Fewell, Founder and Chairman of E&W Law.
“I am incredibly excited and humbled to join the esteemed team at E&W Law,” said Giacometto. “This firm’s commitment to innovative solutions and sustainability aligns perfectly with my passion for protecting our natural resources while supporting responsible development. Together, I believe we can make a significant impact in the legal and policy landscape.”
Aurelia’s career began as a biologist at Monsanto (now Bayer Corporation), where she recognized the critical need for robust legal frameworks to support agricultural innovations. This insight prompted her to pursue a Juris Doctorate. After completing her legal education, she joined Alltech as Assistant Corporate Counsel, where she played a pivotal role in navigating the regulatory process for the company’s products.
In 2017, Aurelia served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Parks at the Department of the Interior. In 2019, she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In this role, Aurelia implemented the Trump Administration’s policies under the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Aurelia graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She holds a Master of Science in Molecular Genetics from Purdue University and earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Kentucky College of Law. She also has an Honorary Degree from Debrecen University in Hungary. She is a member of the bar in both Kentucky and the District of Columbia.
Aurelia is actively involved in various conservation initiatives. She serves on the board of Ramaco Resources and participates in committees for the National Rifle Association’s Hunting and Wildlife Conservation, Ducks Unlimited’s Conservation Policy, Steamboat Institute, and Colossal’s Advisory Committee. For her complete biography and list of her accomplishments, please visit the E&W Law website.
The following quotes reflect the high regard in which Aurelia S. Giacometto is held by her peers and colleagues, showcasing her dedication, leadership, and impact in the field of environmental law and policy –
“Aurelia is absolutely the best! No one was better at tackling the toughest and most complex issues involving land use, permitting and wildlife management. A superstar!” — The Honorable Ryan Zinke, 52nd Secretary of U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Representative of Montana (2015-2017, 2023 – present)
“I am glad to see Aurelia S. Giacometto join Earth and Water Law. Her expertise is invaluable as we advocate for land rights and the sustainable management of our natural resources, which are vital to our beef industry mission. The cattle industry not only supports millions of jobs but also plays a crucial role in environmental stewardship. Working with Aurelia in various capacities has been a true pleasure; her dedication and insight strengthen our collective efforts to ensure a thriving future for both the land and our communities worldwide.” — Ethan Lane, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
“Aurelia S. Giacometto’s joining Earth and Water Law marks a significant milestone in her career in natural resources and conservation, perfectly aligning with our ongoing mission at Wildlife Mississippi: to conserve Mississippi’s lands, waters, and natural heritage in order to sustain a clean environment and healthy economy. Our long-standing relationship with Aurelia has been rooted in a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation. Her balanced approach, honed through various capacities and roles, uniquely positions her to advocate for a sustainable future that honors our natural resources and heritage while fostering a vibrant economy for all.” — James Cummins, Executive Director, Wildlife Mississippi
“Congratulations to my friend, Aurelia, as she joins the talented group of attorneys at Earth & Water Law Group,” said Jeff Crane, President & CEO of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. “I had the privilege of working with Aurelia when she served as the Director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and found her to be passionate, dedicated and solution-oriented in dealing with the complex conservation issues surrounding America’s fish and wildlife resources. She will be an asset in her new role, and I look forward to the opportunities to continue to work with her to address the conservation challenges in the years to come.”— Jeff Crane, President and CEO, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
“Congratulations to Aurelia S. Giacometto in her new role at Earth and Water Law. I have appreciated Aurelia’s commitment to collaborative work in supporting partners to restore endangered species in politically complex environments. Her passion and keen political instincts guide her to outcomes benefitting all.” — Geoff Pampush, Senior VP for Policy and Philanthropy, The Peregrine Fund
“Ducks Unlimited congratulates our Conservation Programs Committee member Aurelia Giacometto on her new role with Earth and Water Law. Her deep understanding of natural resource policy will continue to benefit our mission and the broader conservation causes we all support.” — Adam Putnam, CEO, Ducks Unlimited
“Aurelia has a unique breadth of legal, scientific, state, and federal experience which will be extremely beneficial and valuable to her new clients. She has the know-how and tenacity to deliver exceptional counsel and achieve a range of objectives for her colleagues and clients. She’s a great addition to the firm.” — Ryan Jackson, Vice President, Federal Affairs, American Chemistry Council
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., E&W Law offers its clients a unique business model with the experience and skills of a traditional law firm but without the costly overhead. The firm offers expertise at the intersection of legal and strategic business counseling, helping its clients stay ahead of the ever-growing legal and regulatory challenges facing all companies, regardless of their size or location.
E&W Law, LLC
Office: (202) 280-6362
Email: aurelia.giacometto@earthandwatergroup.com
