Joseph Minott, Long-time Executive Director of Clean Air Council, to Retire at End of 2023

Philadelphia, Pa. (October 4, 2023) – Clean Air Council announces the retirement of its longtime executive director, Joseph Otis Minott, Esq. After an accomplished tenure as one of the region’s foremost environmentalists, Minott will step down as the Council’s leader and chief counsel on December 31, 2023.

Minott joined the Council as a staff attorney in 1982 and has served as the organization’s executive director and lead attorney for more than 35 years. In that time, the Council has achieved precedent-setting legal, policy, and community organizing victories. Fighting for everyone’s right to clean air and a healthy environment, it has grown to become one of Pennsylvania’s largest environmental organizations.

“Joe has dedicated his career to the vision and mission of the Clean Air Council. Under his guidance, the Council has been a leading advocate and watchdog organization on pollution, climate, and health issues that affect our communities and the global environment,” says Russ Allen, the Council’s board president. “Residents and communities of the region have benefited from Joe’s expertise. His work has had widespread, national influence.”

For more than four decades, Minott has been a dedicated and passionate advocate for the environment and public health.   He led a growing staff of lawyers, organizers, and policy experts in advocating for clean air, clean water, and climate action. Over the years, Minott’s work earned him and the organization a reputation for not being afraid to hold government agencies and fossil fuel companies accountable.  Under Minott’s leadership, the Council has been successful in influencing numerous policies and decisions related to protecting air quality and public health while promoting climate solutions and environmental justice.  

“It’s been an absolute honor to grow this organization and lead this talented staff of advocates and to fight alongside them for people’s right to clean air and a healthy environment.,” says Minott. “Climate change is the most critical issue of our time, and I will continue to support the growing movement calling for climate action.”