Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

Steven E. Chester was named Director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on January 6, 2003. His appointment to Michigan’s highest environmental post involves overseeing the management and control of the state’s programs that regulate air quality, water resources, waste management and hazardous materials; clean up and redevelopment of contaminated sites, geological resources and sensitive land management issues. He also oversees the implementation of environmental assistance and pollution prevention programs.

Prior to this appointment, Mr. Chester was a Principal at the law firm of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C. In the early ‘90’s, Mr. Chester worked for the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), initially as the Deputy Enforcement Counsel for Hazardous Waste Enforcement, and then as the Deputy Director for the Office of Criminal Enforcement in the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. He also held the position of Assistant Attorney General for the Michigan Department of Attorney General from 1986 through 1992, and worked as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in the Wayne County Air Pollution Control Division from 1982 through 1986.
 
Mr. Chester holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. He also received a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School.

For more information about the Department of Environmental Quality, visit http://www.michigan.gov/deq.