E. Donald Elliott

E. Donald Elliott is the Florence Rogatz Professor (Adjunct) of Law at Yale Law School, a position he has held since 1981. His academic expertise spans administrative law, environmental law, and energy law, with a focus on regulatory policy and legal theory. He holds a J.D. and B.A. from Yale University (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa).

Elliott has held prominent roles, including Assistant Administrator and General Counsel of the U.S. EPA (1989–1991) and leadership positions in major law firms such as Covington & Burling LLP. He authored/co-authored seven books, including the acclaimed Advanced Introduction to U.S. Environmental Law (2021), and has published over 80 articles in professional journals. His commentary frequently appears in The American Spectator and other media.

His research interests intersect law, science, and policy, particularly environmental governance and the role of expertise in administrative decision-making. Recent articles address the legal implications of the pandemic, regulatory transparency, and Supreme Court rulings impacting administrative authority.

Awarded as one of the top environmental attorneys, Elliott is a Senior Fellow at ACUS and serves on boards such as the Connecticut Fund for the Environment and NYU’s Institute for Policy Integrity. His legal career blends academia, private practice, and public service, advocating for balanced approaches to regulatory challenges.