Russell S.
Warner

Bio

Russ is an attorney at MacDonald Illig and the founder and past chairman of the firm’s Environmental Group. His practice focuses on environmental law, business law, and regulatory matters involving federal and state environmental agencies. Russ represents businesses, financial institutions, economic development organizations, and municipal entities in a wide range of environmental, transactional, and development-related matters.

Russ Helps Clients With:

• Environmental law and regulatory matters
• Environmental permitting and compliance
• Business acquisitions and transactions
• Environmental issues in business acquisitions
• Capital projects and real estate development matters
• Financing transactions
• Contaminated site assessment and remediation
• Pennsylvania Act 2 and Land Recycling Act matters
• Brownfields redevelopment programs
• Industrial and municipal wastewater matters
• Sewer and public drinking water issues
• Economic development projects

Russ regularly assists clients with environmental compliance obligations and environmental considerations related to business operations, development projects, and property transactions.

Approach to Client Service

Russ approaches legal matters with a practical and strategic mindset, helping clients navigate complex environmental and business issues while supporting long-term operational and development goals. Clients rely on his experience addressing regulatory challenges and coordinating solutions across business, environmental, and governmental considerations.

Experience and Professional Background

Russ has extensive experience representing clients before the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). His practice includes environmental permitting, compliance counseling, remediation matters, and environmental due diligence associated with acquisitions and development projects.

He also advises clients on issues involving industrial and municipal wastewater systems, sewer infrastructure, public drinking water matters, and economic development initiatives.

Russ has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for Environmental Law.

Professional Leadership and Involvement

Russ previously served as President of the Erie County Bar Association and as a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association House of Delegates.

His environmental and professional organization involvement has included:

• Air & Waste Management Association
• Manufacturer’s Association of Northwest Pennsylvania Environmental Roundtable
• PADEP Public Advisory Committee for the Presque Isle Bay/Erie Harbor Remedial Action Plan

He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and as Secretary of the Erie County Water Resources Commission.

Community Involvement

Russ has held leadership positions with several community and economic development organizations, including:

• Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Erie Community Foundation
• President of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership
• Member of the Board of Directors of the Economic Development Corporation of Erie County

He remains actively involved in initiatives supporting environmental stewardship, economic development, and community growth in the Erie region.