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ELPO Law Environmental Attorney Speaks at Federal Issues Summit
by Ashley Carter
On Friday, May 30, 2025, ELPO Law attorney LaJuana Wilcher spoke at the Federal Issues Summit. As the nation ushers in a new era with the Trump administration and the 119th Congress, understanding the shifts in federal policy is crucial for businesses, policymakers, and citizens alike. Hosted by the Kentucky Chamber and held in Lexington, KY, the Federal Issues Summit offered an unparalleled platform to gain insight into these changes and their implications. The conference featured expert analyses, engaging discussions, and strategic guidance designed to help attendees navigate the evolving political landscape.
LaJuana Wilcher is a nationally recognized environmental attorney at English, Lucas, Priest and Owsley, LLP, and serves as Chair of the Kentucky Chamber’s Energy and Environmental Policy Council. With decades of experience in Washington, D.C. and Kentucky, she possesses a unique understanding of environmental policy and law at both federal and state levels.
Although primarily representing private sector clients over the years, her career includes forays in the federal government, including significant roles at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As the Presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed Assistant Administrator for Water from 1989 to 1993, she influenced critical policy decisions on federal water quality programs, collaborating with various federal agencies including the Office of Management and Budget, the Justice Department, the White House, and Congress. She previously had been Assistant to EPA’s Deputy Administrator, and Special Assistant to the General Counsel. LaJuana began her federal work in the 1970s as a naturalist with the National Park Service and later served as a Reagan political appointee at the USDA in Washington.
From 2003 to 2006, she was Kentucky’s Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet Secretary, furthering her relationships with EPA and DOJ. In private practice, LaJuana represents clients in interactions with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and EPA.
In addition to her environmental work, LaJuana is the Board Vice Chair of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac) (NYSE:AGM), a publicly traded government-sponsored enterprise that enhances credit availability for farmers, ranchers, and rural homeowners by providing a secondary market for agricultural and rural housing loans. She was confirmed by the Senate in 2019 to be a Board member. She has also served on the U.S. National Park System Advisory Board and the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO, appointed by the respective U.S. Cabinet Secretaries.
Her strategic and collaborative problem-solving approach and extensive knowledge of regulatory frameworks enable her to develop tailored solutions to complex environmental challenges.
Wilcher owns and operates Scuffle Hill Farm in Alvaton, KY.
Read more about the Summit and the full list of speakers here.
