Partner

Justin A. Savage

Environmental, Health, and Safety

jsavage@sidley.com

Washington, D.C. +1 202 736 8853

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JUSTIN SAVAGE is global co-leader of the firm’s Environmental, Health, and Safety practice and leads the Automotive and Mobility sector team. Justin focuses on high-stakes environmental, health, and safety litigation and strategic counseling, including government enforcement actions, internal investigations, and rulemaking challenges. Justin is recognized for “his litigation and trial prowess in major environmental cases” and his “understanding of regulators’ viewpoints” (2017) by Chambers USA, which has ranked him for Environment in District of Columbia (2017–2024) and Transport: Road (Automotive) in USA – Nationwide (2023–2024). Other market recognitions include receiving the Law360 “MVP” Award (2018, 2024) and the National Law Journal’s “Energy & Environment Trailblazer” (2021).

Experience

Justin’s representative matters include:

In the auto and engine sectors, representing companies, boards, and senior executives before EPA, CARB, DOJ, NHTSA, and/or the SEC in civil and criminal enforcement proceedings, as well as conducting numerous internal investigations, audits, due diligence reviews, and compliance engagements over alleged AECDs, IUVP, and IUCP, tampering, OBD, fuel economy, delegated assembly, safety defects, TREAD reporting, and battery-related compliance issues

In the energy sector, representing refiners, mid-stream companies, and other heavily regulated industries in criminal investigations, civil enforcement actions, and litigation arising from major incidents, including the successful defense of a midstream company in an environmental criminal investigation that resulted in a declination of prosecution

Advising companies, boards, and investment funds on managing risks from emerging contaminants, such as PFAS, as well as defending companies in individual PFAS matters

In the construction and wood product industries, defending companies and individuals in criminal and civil government investigations and enforcement actions, including matters involving TSCA formaldehyde standards, the asbestos NESHAP, and lead paint

Performing environmental diligence on M&A, particularly the risks of emerging regulations and pending investigations

United States v. BP Products North America Inc. et al (N.D. Ohio) (refinery CAA consent decree)

United States v. Derive Systems, Inc. (D.D.C.) (Title II consent decree for aftermarket tuners)

United States v. Hyundai Motor Co. (D.D.C.) (Title II consent decree for OEM on road load and fuel economy)*

United States v. Lima Refining Co. (N.D. Ohio) (refinery CAA consent decree)

Representing trade associations, ad hoc coalitions, and companies in major environmental rulemakings and related APA litigation, including AFPM, API, the Chamber of Commerce, ACC, the RMP Coalition, and the Air Stewardship Coalition

*Some of the above matters were handled prior to joining Sidley.

Member, Automotive News Research & Data Center Advisory Committee (2021 – present)
Leadership Council, Environmental Law Institute (2021 – present)
Member, Environmental Editorial Advisory Board, Law360 (2019 – 2020)
Chair, Environmental Regulation Committee, Energy Bar Association (2019 – 2020)
Fellow, American Bar Foundation
D.C. Bar, Steering Committee on Administrative Law and Agency Practice Section (2013 – 2016)
American Bar Association, Environmental Enforcement and Crimes Committee, Vice Chair (2017 – 2018)
Member, Society of Automotive Engineers

Credentials

Admissions & Certifications

District of Columbia
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit
U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
U.S. District Court, E.D. of Virginia
Virginia
U.S. District Court, N.D. of Indiana

Education

McNeese State University, B.A., 1994
University of Virginia School of Law, J.D., 1997