Jennifer Taggart
Jennifer Taggart I'm a mom of 2 (my son is 6 and my daughter is 4) and a children’s environmental health advocate. In my real life, I'm an environmental attorney specializing in consumer product labeling and Proposition 65 and have been for 15 years. Prior to becoming an attorney, I was an environmental engineer for 5 years. I'm a typical overscheduled working mom - always trying to do to much with too little sleep. My interest in children’s environmental health stems from my work, but also from suffering two miscarriages before getting pregnant with my son. I had tried so hard not to get pregnant for so many years, it was ironic that I couldn't get and stay pregnant. But I started wondering if environmental reasons may have been a contributing factor to the unexplained miscarriages. And that ignited my already existing interest in reducing toxic chemical exposure. So, I've been trying to raise my kids in a non-toxic environment, with a somewhat doubting husband. I focus on simple, practical steps to reduce or eliminate toxic chemical exposures in the home. The gritty details: I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Science from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo. I earned my law degree from Southwestern University School of Law (cum laude) and was nominated to the Order of the Barristers. After graduating from Cal Poly, I worked as a CEIP Intern for the East Bay Municipal Utility District, focusing on compliance with AB 2588, the Air Toxics “Hot Spots” Information and Assessment Act. Subsequently, I worked as an environmental engineer for Rockwell International, Rocketdyne Division. As an environmental engineer, I specialized in air quality and air toxic issues, including risk assessment, and Proposition 65, California’s toxic exposure and warning law. I went to night school while working for Rocketdyne. After earning my law degree, I entered into private practice, specializing in environmental law. I am a partner with Demetriou, Del Guercio, Springer & Francis, LLP. My practice includes advising clients on consumer product labeling laws and compliance with Proposition 65, California’s law requiring notice before exposing consumers and others to certain chemicals. I served as a Commissioner of the Los Angeles City Environmental Affairs Commission from 1996 to 2005. The Los Angeles City Environmental Affairs Department advises the Mayor and the City Council on environmental matters.
