John C. Cruden is the President of the Environmental Law Institute, a nationally recognized non-profit association that provides research, education, and publications in the area of environmental law and policy.

Before coming to ELI, John was, for over two decades, the career Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Environment and Natural Resources Division, U.S. Department of Justice. He has personally litigated and led settlement negotiations in numerous environmental cases, many with reported decisions. Prior to becoming Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Mr. Cruden was Chief, Environmental Enforcement Section, DOJ. Before joining the Department of Justice, he was the Chief Legislative Counsel of the Army. After graduating from West Point, John served in airborne, ranger, and Special Forces units before attending law school.

Mr. Cruden is a Past President of the District of Columbia Bar, the second largest bar in the nation, a Past Chair of the ABA Section on Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources, and a member of the American College of Environmental Lawyers. He has received the Presidential Rank Award from three different Presidents and awards from the DoJ, ABA, FBA, EPA, and the military. He is listed in Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in American Law. In 2010, Mr. Cruden was listed by a national magazine as one of the top 500 lawyers in America.

He has written and lectured extensively in the areas of environment, energy, and natural resources law.