Bryant Hires Former MDEQ Director as Consultant

BY JEFF AMY
Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. — Gov. Phil Bryant has hired the former director of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality as a consultant.

The contract with Trudy Fisher, dated Sept. 5, says she will advise Gov. Phil Bryant on energy policy, environmental and restoration policy and provide support in court cases. The agreement is good for six months and can be renewed for six months after that.

A lawyer who led the environmental agency for seven years, Fisher was deeply involved in Mississippi’s legal actions related to BP PLC’s 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Fisher will charge $195 an hour for herself and others who help her, up to $99,000 over a year.

The contract says Fisher can’t represent clients related to the services she’s providing.

Bryant named lawyer Gary Rikard to replace Fisher.