In a career spanning over four decades, Alan has participated in the development of natural resource policies, regulations, and legislation at both the state and the federal levels; provided direction and oversight on environmental and natural resource issues for several companies; led major environmental projects/studies; advanced air and wastewater treatment technologies; obtained approvals for complex operations (such as mines); and led the resolution of extremely complex enforcement and environmental issues.
His work experience has included numerous industries: mining, chemical manufacturing, pulp and paper, forest products, food processing, and beef cattle feedlots. Previous key roles included being the Vice President of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs for the J.R. Simplot Company (25 years) and Manager of Environmental Engineering for Potlatch Corporation (5 years).
He has been appointed to three different commissions by Idaho governors dealing with natural resource or energy issues, and was appointed by former Secretary of Interior Jewell to a federal advisory committee on the management of federal lands. He has served on the boards of multiple state, regional and national trade associations, in particular for mining, pulp and paper, food processing and business growth.
Alan’s focus in these endeavors and trade association activities is working with diverse stakeholders to develop workable solutions that enable business growth while maintaining or enhancing natural resource values.
Alan has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Idaho State University and a Masters of Science degree from the College of Natural Resources at the University of Idaho.
Idaho National Forest Roadless Commission (2009-present)
Federal Advisory Committee - BLM (2017-2019)
Mining & Mineral Processing Legislation - Idaho
(2019-2021 - multiple bills)
Idaho Abandoned Mine Restoration Act - 2025.
Environmental Assessments: mining, chemical manufacturing, feedlots, food processing and pulp and paper.
20-year negotiation and resolution of Bevill - mineral processing allegations for phosphate.
Negotiation and resolution of a number RCRA, CAA, CWA, EPCRA and CERCLA matters with EPA and states.
Led permitting effort for "greenfield" phosphate mine. Also, led multiple phosphate mine expansions.
NDES permit and ESA consultation for pulp and paper complex.
One PSD and many minor source air permits (including air toxics)
Led development of a site-specific water quality standard for selenium in Idaho waters
Developed and directed multi-year water quality, sediment and fisheries study of a 40-mile river system.
Oversaw multi-year study on water quality and fisheries impacts from mining.
Air deposition (metals and fluoride) ecological impacts.
Provided direction to company leadership and board on management ofglobal environmental compliance and risks -including management long-term environmental financial risks.
Led formation of a multi-stakeholder group to address ecological conditions in a mining area.
Developed and led strategy to develop remedies for remediation projects including Superfund and mining sites
Analysis and determination of environmental risks associated with facility and business acquisition (including global transactions and over $1billion in value).
Determination of environmental liabilities - including Asset Retirement Obligations.
Development of strategies for the management of long-term environmental financial risks.
