Environment: regulatory in United States

Arnold & Porter

Arnold & Porter’s environmental team fields a strong bench and offers clients broad expertise in regulatory compliance and in the defense of enforcement proceedings pertaining to the Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Oil Pollution Act (OPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA), among other areas. Brian Israel, who splits his time between Los Angeles and Washington DC, heads the practice and is strong in both regulatory matters and contentious issues, with a strong track record in contaminated sites across the US. Jonathan Martel  is recommended for CAA issues and often represents clients before the environmental protection agency (EPA), while Ethan Shenkman is a key name climate change policy and regulatory matters. California’s Zachary Fayne is another name for air quality issues, as well as consumer protection law matters, while Sarah Grey in Colorado, who was recently promoted to partner, acts for clients in the energy, manufacturing, and automotive sectors on EPA and transactional matters. Judah Prero joined as counsel from the American Chemistry Council and Lauren Daniel was promoted to partner. Attorneys are based in Washington DC, unless otherwise stated.

Practice head(s):

Brian Israel

Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Martel; Lawrence Culleen; Ethan Shenkman; Zachary Fayne; Sarah Grey; Judah Prero

Key clients

BP / Atlantic Richfield

Honeywell International

The Chemours Company

Donlin Gold

POET

Merck

Ford

Growth Energy

American Cleaning Institute

Work highlights

  • Serving as lead environmental counsel to Chemours on a range of regulatory, enforcement, and litigation matters relating to the discovery of chemicals in the Cape Fear River in North Carolina attributable to the client’s facility, including a chemical referred to as GenX.
  • Defending Donlin Gold against multifaceted environmental challenges and securing Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Land Management permits for one of the nation’s largest gold mines, located in Alaska.
  • Helped BP achieve a collaborative resolution of an effort in Whatcom County, Washington to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil fuel refineries.

Beveridge & Diamond, P.C.

Boutique environmental specialist Beveridge & Diamond, P.C. handles matters nationwide, and the team, which is led by Washington DC’s Paul Hagen and Seattle’s Allyn Stern, includes department of justice (DOJ) and EPA alumni. It acts for top-tier domestic and international clients on a broad range of regulatory matters, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other contamination issues, plastic waste, climate change, Superfund and environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters. Hagen is a key name for market access, global supply chain, and product stewardship, while Stern, a former EPA regional counsel, offers 30 years’ experience in environmental matters, with a focus on compliance and enforcement matters. In Austin, Maddie Boyer heads the Latin American practice and is recommended for sustainability issues, such as emerging chemicals and circular economy initiatives. Also in DC, John Cruden is an DOJ alumnus who handles environmental and natural resources litigation, and civil and criminal enforcement matters, while Stacey Halliday is a key name for environmental justice issues. Karen Hansen, who is also based Austin, co-leads the water practice and is particularly experienced in Texas water law, including regulatory compliance and policy issues. Former chairman Benjamin Wilson retired in December 2021.

Practice head(s):

Paul Hagen; Allyn Stern

Other key lawyers:

John Cruden; Karen Hansen; Maddie Boyer; Lauren Hopkins; David Weber; Julius Redd; Parker Moore; Sarah Munger; Stacey Halliday

Key clients

City and County of San Francisco

Delta Airlines

JSR Micro

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners

Mountain Valley Pipeline

Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Working Group/MED-Project USA

TLA-Holbrook LLC

United Airlines

Walmart

Work highlights

  • Providing analysis and advice on regulatory compliance issues to a range of clients and assisting a manufacturer in developing a community outreach plan to engage with the local community leaders and facility neighbors as the company opened its new facility.
  • Representing multinational companies and municipal clients in complex environmental disputes and high-profile project management, corporate responsibility, environmental compliance, and investigations related to environmental justice and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 enforcement.
  • Regularly advising Fortune 100 Companies on cutting-edge regulatory issues related to product stewardship, circular economy, and corporate sustainability/ESG.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

The environmental team at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP offers coast-to-coast expertise on environmental policy debates, regulatory developments, and litigation. It is particularly strong in issues relating to air, water, waste, chemicals and climate change at the state, local, and federal level. The team is led by Eric Murdock and Deidre Duncan, with Duncan offering strong experience in compliance and permitting, particularly in relation to the CWA, and also the national environmental policy act (NEPA) and ESA. Matthew Leopold is former general counsel for the EPA and is experienced in shaping environmental law; he is strong in air quality, chemicals and hazardous substances matters. Kerry McGrath is experienced in National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) matters and water issues, with a focus on the mining, agriculture, and utilities sectors. In San Francisco, Shannon Broome is a name for risk management and ESG matters and environmental matters relating to California, while counsel Clare Ellis advises clients on California’s emissions laws, policy matters and CAA matters. Chuck Knauss is recommended for compliance, enforcement and litigation. Attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated. 

Practice head(s):

Eric Murdock; Deidre Duncan

Other key lawyers:

Shannon Broome; Chuck Knauss; Kerry McGrath; Matthew Leopold; Andrew Turner; Samuel Brown; Clare Ellis

Testimonials

‘They are particularly good at developing and implementing creative strategies to solve difficult problems.’

‘They often see issues and opportunities and have good ideas that others don’t.’

‘Their knowledge of relevant issues is very deep; they thoroughly understand and effectively utilize statutory history and regulatory background.’

‘Chuck Knauss is an amazing thinker and strategist.’

‘Chuck Knauss is an outstanding lawyer with many strengths including a strong intellect, excellent analytical abilities, strong knowledge across different areas and business sectors, and a very practical sense of how to fix or avoid problems.’

‘Shannon Broome is an exceptional lawyer who is amazingly good when you need a top lawyer to manage a problem personally and equally so when you need someone to effectively manage a team of lawyers working a larger problem.’

‘Shannon Broome is articulate, practical and smart.’

Key clients

NWP 12 Litigation Group

Air Permitting Forum and Auto Industry Forum

American Iron and Steel Institute

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation/Arizona Public Service Company

Marathon Petroleum Corporation

Work highlights

  • Achieved two significant victories for the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) regarding the issuance of determinations by EPA that both the production of integrated iron and steel and the processing of taconite ore have been controlled to the point that they now pose an acceptable air toxics risk and warrant no further regulation under the Clean Air Act.
  • Advising Cargill, Inc. and providing representation across business units throughout the US and across the globe related to the company’s global product stewardship and sustainability needs, California operations, environmental permitting and compliance, and emerging renewable energy, climate change, and ESG issues.
  • Counseled Pinnacle West Capital Corporation/Arizona Public Service Company through the obtainment of a critical and rare federally issued Clean Water Act NPDES discharge permit for the Four Corners Power Plant on Navajo Nation lands in New Mexico.

Baker Botts L.L.P.

The environmental, safety, and incident response team at Baker Botts L.L.P. offers services coast-to-coast and has particular strength in crisis response and prevention. Permitting, compliance, investigations and enforcement are also key tenets of the practice, and it is particularly experienced in the air, water and waste sectors. In Houston, Scott Janoe heads the team, while Scott Elliott is recommended for environmental, and health and safety issues, in the chemical and energy industries. In Washington DC, Debra Jezouit is recommended for CAA and climate change matters, as well as ESG issues, while Alexandra Dunn, who was a former Assistant Administrator for the EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, is a key name for EPA issues, particularly those pertaining to Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and PFAS chemicals. Martha Thomsen and Allison Watkins Mallick were both promoted to partner in DC and San Francisco respectively, in early 2022. Kimberly White left for EOG Resources and Jennifer Keane retired.

Practice head(s):

Scott Janoe

Other key lawyers:

Scott Elliott; Debra Jezouit; Alexandra Dunn; Stephanie Bergeron Perdue; Megan Berge; Paulina Williams; Martha Thomsen; Allison Watkins Mallick

Key clients

American Water Works Association

Borla Performance Industries, Inc.

Bp Exploration & Production Company Inc.

Conocophillips

Croplife America

Dcp Operating Company, Lp

Delek Us Holdings, Inc.

Entergy Services, Inc.

Enterprise Products Operating Llc

Exxonmobil Corporation

Gladieux Metals Recycling, Llc

Halliburton Company

Hess Corporation

Intercontinental Terminals Company Llc

Kimberly-clark Corporation

Lg&e And Ku Energy Llc

Lyondellbasell Industries

Murphy Oil Corporation

National Association Of Clean Water Agencies

Nrg Energy, Inc.

Occidental Chemical Corporation

Oxbow Calcining Llc

Puget Sound Energy

Repsol Sa

Sempra Energy

Sunoco/aloha Petroleum

Tarrant Regional Water District

Tennessee American Water Co.

Tpc Group Inc.

Union Pacific Railroad Company

West Virginia American Water Co.

Westlake Chemicals Corporation

Work highlights

  • Serving as environmental counsel to support TPC Group, LLC’s chemical plants in Houston and Port Neches, Texas, and Lake Charles, Louisiana.
  • Advising on a multi-client response to the EPA Interstate Transport Rule.
  • Advising BP on considerations and drafting and negotiation of documentation for proposed carbon capture sequestration project and potential development issues.

Bracewell LLP

Bracewell LLP has a strong presence in Texas and Washington DC and acts for high-profile oil and gas, and pipeline companies on infrastructure development, climate change regulation, liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, enforcement issues and carbon sequestration. Its client roster also includes businesses in the renewables, chemicals, manufacturing and technology sectors, and the team includes government and regulatory agency alumni. The practice is led by Jason Hutt and Jeffrey Holmstead, with Hutt handling administrative, civil and criminal enforcement actions, and Holmstead a key name for climate change and CAA matters. Brittany Pemberton has notable experience of compliance and enforcement matters, and in assisting associations participating in the federal rulemaking process. Austin’s Timothy Wilkins is recommended for permitting, energy transition matters and ESG issues, and also advises clients on disputes and transactional matters. Catherine Little and Annie Cook joined from Troutman Pepper in June 2022 and in August of the same year, Steven Cook joined as of counsel from the EPA in Houston. Named attorneys are based in Washington DC unless otherwise stated.

Practice head(s):

Jason Hutt; Jeffrey Holmstead

Other key lawyers:

Sara Burgin; Kevin Ewing; Kevin Collins; Ann Navaro; Matthew Paulson; Whit Swift; Timothy Wilkins; Brittany Pemberton; Annie Cook; Steven Cook; Catherine Little

Key clients

Equinor Wind

Denka Performance Elastomer LLC

Cheniere Energy, Inc.

Par Pacific

Pipeline Safety

Energy Forward

Ryan LLC

Work highlights

  • Advising Energy Forward and its members on a variety of issues before Congress, executive branch agencies (including the EPA, DOE and FERC), and the courts.
  • Representing companies that own and operate small refineries in their efforts to secure “small refinery exemptions” from the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program, which is part of the Clean Air Act.
  • Served as Par Pacific’s outside environmental general counsel, representing the company on all of its environmental compliance, permitting and enforcement needs.

Hogan Lovells US LLP

The environment and natural resources team at Hogan Lovells US LLP is led by Denver’s Scott Reisch and Washington, DC’s Adam Kushner and acts for top clients in relation to both regulatory and contentious matters. Key areas of focus for the practice include crisis management, compliance, investigations by regulators, permitting, and public and Native American land issues; client sectors include oil and gas, aviation, renewables and real estate. Reisch is a key name for contamination issues, compliance counseling and transactional matters, while San Francisco’s Tom Boer, a DOJ and EPA alumnus, brings considerable expertise in environmental statutes to the team; he handles regulatory issues, enforcement matters and litigation. Hilary Tompkins, also in DC, is strong in emerging areas, such as clean energy and ESG.

Practice head(s):

Scott Reisch; Adam Kushner

Other key lawyers:

Tom Boer; Hilary Tompkins; Joanne Rotondi

Key clients

Brixmor Property Group

Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA)

Railway Supply Institute (RSI)

RecologyVenture Global LNG

Nissan North America Inc.

Work highlights

  • Representing Brixmor Property Group, a leading national shopping center real estate investment trust in connection with multiple matters, including a dispute with a former tenant of a New York site contaminated by the former tenant’s service station activities; a tenant-led clean-up in Michigan; the closing of a tenant’s operations in South Carolina; the acquisition or disposition of properties in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Texas; and the clean up of several shopping centers in California impacted by drycleaner contamination.
  • Advising a medical device manufacturer client on the development of a national state of the art take-back program. Based on current data, the take-back program has the potential to eliminate more than 100 million batteries from landfills each year, as well as hundreds of tons of metal and plastic per year.
  • Represented several developers of LNG and crude oil export facilities as environmental licensing counsel at all levels of federal and state government in connection with the construction and operation of eight export terminal facilities that will produce, transport and supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) or crude oil to markets around the world.

King & Spalding LLP

King & Spalding LLP offers clients ‘subject matter experts who have keen insights on the issues, can apply past learning to current risks and use those insights to identify emerging trends’. With teams on both coasts, the firm is well placed to handle regulatory matters across the US, under the leadership of Washington DC’s Granta Nakayama. It is particularly strong in enforcement defense matters and negotiations with regulators, such as the EPA; mobile source emissions; compliance in highly regulated sectors; and issues around toxic chemicals, such as PFAS. Nakayama is a key name for compliance and enforcement matters, while in Los Angeles, Peter Hsiao, a former DOJ environmental attorney, is recommended for natural resources and toxic tort law. Ilana Saltzbart, also in DC, is an EPA alumna with considerable experience of the CAA. Chicago’s Karl Heisler is noted for incident response and workplace health and safety work. Marcella Burke left in July 2022. Adam Sowatzka has also left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Granta Nakayama

Other key lawyers:

Peter Hsiao; Ilana Saltzbart; Patrick Runge; Karl Heisler

Testimonials

‘Top-shelf representation; thoughtful; pro-active; sensitive to client needs and goals.’

‘Karl Heisler has been my primary point of contact. He has provided superior representation and counseling, consistently taking initiative, keeping in contact with the client, and providing creative and helpful thoughts and ideas.’

‘The K&S team does a phenomenal job of distilling the complexity of issues down to a manageable and understandable level.’

‘They are subject matter experts who have keen insights on the issues, can apply past learning to current risks and use those insights to identify emerging trends.’

‘They are exceptionally collaborative, exceed expectations and true partners for their clients.’

‘Karl Heisler also shown care in his recognition of client needs, including in his work efficiency and billing practices. I look forward to continuing to work with Karl as needs may arise.’

‘Patrick Runge is exceptional – well versed on the issues and shares insights/analogs to the risks at hand.’

‘Karl Heisler is a true partner to his clients – he is highly credible; distills the complex so that it is understood by non-experts; highly strategic and transparent in his assessments/solutions; and is a great K&S team leader.’

Key clients

Environmental Resources Management Southwest Inc.

Volkswagen AG

Chevron

The Home Depot

Phillips 66

Honeywell International

Baker Hughes

LafargeHolcim

BASF Corporation

International Paper

Work highlights

  • Representing Chevron in an appeal of an EPA action related to the Clean Air Act’s Outer Continental Shelf program.
  • Advising Volkswagen on the largest ever Clean Air Act enforcement case, ongoing for several years.
  • Working with Rayonier Advanced Materials for many years to successfully secure and defend the renewal of the wastewater discharge permit (NPDES permit) for the company’s pulp mill in Jesup, Georgia, one of the largest pulp mills in North America and the largest cellulose specialties plant in the world.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP offers coast-to-coast expertise on high-profile regulatory and litigation matters, with a strong presence in Los Angeles and Princeton. It offers a wealth of experience in contamination cases and investigations and enforcement matters by regulators, as well as remediation issues. James Dragna and Princeton’s John McGahren lead the practice, with Dragna experienced in environmental crises in the energy, aerospace, and manufacturing industries, and McGahren a key name for compliance, litigation and natural resource damage claims. In San Francisco, Ella Foley Gannon is recommended for obtaining and defending entitlements against administrative and judicial challenges, and is active in state and federal courts, While Rick Rothman handles environmental and energy litigation. David Brown was recently promoted to partner, alongside Washington DC’s Doug Hastings, and is active in regulatory and compliance matters pertaining to air quality, water quality, hazardous substances, and climate change. Angelo Calfo joined from Calfo Eakes in Seattle and Jeffrey Hurwitz retired. Lawyers based in LA unless otherwise stated.

Practice head(s):

James Dragna; John McGahren

Other key lawyers:

Rick Rothman; Ella Foley Gannon; Christopher McAuliffe; David Brown; Doug Hastings; Angelo Calfo

Testimonials

‘John McGahren and Christopher McAuiliffe  are both experts in the field, delivering on complex and time sensitive programs with deliberate care, efficiency and the highest quality work.’

Key clients

Wallace Silversmiths de Puerto Rico, Ltd., a subsidiary of Lifetime Brands, Inc. (WSPR)

Superfund Settlements Project and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action Project

Verizon Communications Inc., and GTE Operations Support Incorporated, GTE Sylvania Incorporated and Sylvania Electric Products Inc. (GTE Sylvania Defendants)

Sherwin-Williams

BKK Joint Defense Group

Sunoco Pipeline L.P.

Sephora USA

Stepan Company

Work highlights

  • Representing Wallace Silversmiths de Puerto Rico, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Lifetime Brands, Inc., in connection with the San Germán Ground Water Contamination Superfund Site, located in San Germán, Puerto Rico.
  • Representing the Superfund Settlements Project and the RCRA Corrective Action Project, two leading industry advocacy groups that focus on the laws that govern management and clean up of contaminated sites.
  • Representing Sephora in lawsuits filed by Environmental Health Advocates alleging violations of California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act (Proposition 65).

Van Ness Feldman LLP

The environment and land, water and natural resources team at Van Ness Feldman LLP has a strong Washington DC presence and a core focus on environmental work. The firm is active in the automotive, utilities, oil and gas, transport and marine sectors and is particularly strong in air pollution, climate change, regulatory investigations and enforcement, clean water, hazardous waste and environmental justice matters. The team is led by Stephen Fotis, Britt Fleming, Jonathan Simon and Seattle’s Jenna Mandell-Rice. Fleming represents businesses before Congress, and federal and state agencies, and is a key name for regulatory, policy and development issues, with a strong track record in CAA cases. Kyle Danish is recommended for energy projects and regulation, while associate A.J. Singletary, a Department of Transportation alumnus, is a name for climate change issues. Gwendolyn Keyes Fleming left in June 2022. Attorneys based in DC unless otherwise stated.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Fotis; Britt Fleming; Jonathan Simon; Jenna Mandell-Rice

Other key lawyers:

Kyle Danish; A. J. Singletary

Key clients

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners

Port of Seattle

Los Angeles Department of Water & Power

Nebraska Public Power District

Honda

Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Association

State of Alaska

The North Slope Borough

Toyota Motors North America

ConnectGen Operating LLC

Work highlights

  • Advising Shell on issues related to the reduction of methane emissions (a potent greenhouse gas) from oil and gas sources.
  • Representing Puget Sound Energy, the largest energy utility in the Pacific Northwest, with environmental and natural resources counsel and permitting throughout the state including all state SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) and federal NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) environmental review and procurement of local, regional, state and federal permits for the siting, construction, in-water work and air emissions associated with the construction, operation, and transmission facilities, including with the development of a first-of-its-kind combined peakshaving LNG liquefaction/storage facility and marine fueling terminal in the Port of Tacoma Washington.
  • Providing strategic environmental regulatory compliance advice to the Executive Director of the Port of Seattle in all matters related to the necessary scope of environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and related Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Master Plan review requirements for Sea-Tac Airport’s Sustainable Airport Master Plan.

DLA Piper LLP (US)

The environmental practice group at DLA Piper LLP (US) was bolstered in April 2022, with the arrival of Gwen Keyes Fleming from Van Ness Feldman LLP; she splits her time between Washington DC and Atlanta and now co-heads the team alongside George Gigounas, who is based in San Francisco and San Diego. With coast-to-coast expertise, the practice is well placed to handle matters across the US and leverages its international network for support on cross-border mandates. It is particularly strong in emerging contaminants, such as PFAS, climate change and environmental justice issues and provides advice in relation to litigation and transactional matters. Fleming is an EPA alumna with experience in policy, compliance and enforcement defense, while Gigounas is a name for site clean-ups, product-related toxic exposure and pollution liability.

Practice head(s):

George Gigounas; Gwen Keyes Fleming

Other key lawyers:

Catherine Campbell; Robert Alessi; Adam Baas

Testimonials

‘DLA Piper has proven to be more informed and skilled in the law than any of the other firms we have worked with over the last 25 years.’

‘They routinely provide quick issue summaries available to clients on topics that while not directly of interest, keep us well informed of activities in other areas of law and other industrial sectors.’

‘I have worked more than 25 years with Bob Alessi on environmental issues related to electric generation and transmission in New York. He has a deep knowledge of the law; is highly skilled in identifying operations and policy implications as regulations are proposed; formulates strategic options for risk management; has nurtured a vast network of cross-sector contacts for critical information gathering.’

‘Bob Alessi is accessible and responsive, and a pleasure to have on our team.’

Key clients

BASF

BAE Systems

Danone US

Robertson’s Ready Mix

Northrup Grumman

The Chlorine Institute

Government of Georgia’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection

Finch Waste Company LLC

BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair

CAE INC

Work highlights

  • Advising The Chlorine Institute (CI), a technical trade association, on strategic and legal advice with respect to federal policy, regulatory and legislative developments that affect the transportation, environmental and national security aspects of the production of chlorine and other chemical substances and materials by the members of Cl.
  • Advising The Environmental Energy Alliance of New York (EEANY) and its members on all aspects of environmental law, including virtually every proposed and existing environmental regulatory program in New York State and at the federal level.
  • Providing environmental counsel to Northrop Grumman concerning its obligations under the 1998 Interim Record of Decision, 2005 ESD, Consent Decree, and Unilateral Order, among other operative documents, so that it can successfully implement a clean-up program for the area.

Greenberg Traurig LLP

The environmental practice group at Greenberg Traurig LLP has a broad geographic spread and is led by Miami’s Kerri Barsh, Tampa’s David Weinstein, Denver’s Christopher Neumann and Steven Russo in New York. It acts for a domestic and international client base on financial, transactional and regulatory matters, as well as litigation, and is well versed in energy, food, water and climate issues. Barsh is recommended for regulatory, permitting, and litigation matters, while Weinstein handles toxic tort and product liability issues. Russo is a name for NEPA matters and brownfield redevelopments, and Neumann handles civil and criminal investigations and enforcement matters. Timothy Swickard left in October 2022.

Other key lawyers:

David Mandelbaum; Christopher Bell

Testimonials

‘Very familiar with the specific subject matter.’

‘Accessible and capable of concise explanations of the options and potential outcomes.’

‘The specific individuals we were worked with were very familiar with the process and details associated with our situation.’

‘They were responsive to questions and assisted in getting a resolution quickly.’

Key clients

Embee Processing LLC; All Metals Processing of Orange County, LLC and E/M Coating Services; Curtiss-Wright Corporation

Tucson Electric Power Company

Arcadian Fiberoptic Project

Barrick Gold of North America

Checkers and Rally’s Drive-In Restaurants and Related Development, LLC

Teleflex Incorporated

Golden Spread Electric Cooperative

Genessee & Wyoming

Minera Andina del Sol S.R.L.

Quidnet

Work highlights

  • Advised Arcadian Fiberoptic Project on the first-ever direct fiberoptic trunk line from Salt Lake City to Phoenix, and from Phoenix to Denver.
  • Advised Minera Andina del Sol S.R.L.regarding US and international laws and treaties governing shipment of waste elemental mercury from Argentina.
  • Advised Quidnet Energy on technology to accelerate the energy transition.

Paul Hastings LLP

In the regulatory sphere, Paul Hastings LLP is particularly strong in California in connection with the development of renewable energy and energy storage projects, as well as the handling of permitting and environmental review issues, and the defense of clients in state and federal courts. Chris Carr heads the team and is well versed in regulatory matters pertaining to solar and battery storage projects, and climate change mitigation issues. Deborah Schmall is a key name for hazardous material regulation and contamination issues, as well as the defense of enforcement actions, while Jill Yung deals with the permitting and issues around endangered species. Peter Weiner  left for Cox, Castle & Nicholson. Attorneys are based in San Francisco.

Practice head(s):

Chris Carr

Other key lawyers:

Navi Dhillon; Gordon Hart; Jill Yung; Deborah Schmall

Testimonials

‘Very strong grasp of regulatory and procedural aspects of the subject area- California Environmental Quality Act.’

‘Chris Carr and Navi Dhillon. Both have extensive understanding of regulatory landscape, including personal relationships with key regulators and lawmakers. Combined with their extensive litigation experience, this make them a great team to work with.’

Key clients

EDF Renewables

Brookfield Renewable Partners

AT&T Inc.

The Related Companies

Sierra Pacific Industries

Prologis

A coalition of national trade associations

Terra-Gen

Lennar Homes

Genentech

Intersect Power

Avantus (formerly 8minute Solar Energy)

Clearway Energy

Green Diamond Resources Company

Western Digital Technologies / Western Digital Corporation

Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians

Vistra Corp.

Work highlights

  • Advising Terra-Gen, 8minute Solar Energy, EDF Renewables and Longroad Energy on the development and adoption of California Fish and Game Commission emergency regulation authorizing incidental take of the western Joshua tree. The new permits will allow the development of over 4,000 MW of solar energy through projects whose value totals $5bn.

Vinson & Elkins LLP

The environmental and natural resources team at Vinson & Elkins LLP is active in the oil and gas, and mining industries, among others and has a strong track record in high-stakes government investigations and enforcement matters, permitting, and litigation when things go wrong. The team is led by Washington DC’s Ronald Tenpas, a key name for in civil and criminal investigations and CAA matters. Matthew Dobbins, also in Houston, handles litigation, regulation and transactional issues, with particular expertise of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects and renewable fuels. Larry Nettles has retired.

Practice head(s):

Ronald Tenpas

Other key lawyers:

Eric Groten; Michael Wigmore; Patrick Traylor; Matthew Dobbins; Brandon Tuck

Key clients

Adelphia Gateway LLC

Blackstone Energy Partners

Blue Racer Midstream

Bluewing Midstream LLC

Daseke, Inc.

Enable Midstream

Enbridge

Endeavor Energy Resources, LP

Global Companies, LLC

Goldman Sachs

Greer Capital Corporation

Gulf Coast Ammonia

First Reserve

Magellan Midstream Partners L.P.

Northwoods Energy, LLC

Oasis Petroleum, Inc.

Rosehill Resources

San Miguel Electric Cooperative

Sandy Creek Services

Freeport-McMoRan Inc.

IAV GmbH

NextEra Energy, Inc.

PennEast Pipeline Company, LLC

Perpetua Resources

San Miguel Electric Cooperative

Texas Eastern Transmission, LP,

Work highlights

  • Advised New Fortress Energy LLC on a bid to win the right to operate and maintain the PREPA generation fleet.
  • Advised Perpetua Resources on a first-of-its kind settlement with the EPA and the US Forest Service that would allow for the removal of legacy environmental contamination and solutions to current groundwater issues associated with those legacy operations while still allowing for active mining and job creation.
  • Acting as lead counsel for Tadano Ltd., Tadano Faun, Tadano Mantis, Tadano America with respect to potential violations of Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) rules governing large diesel engines in manufactured equipment.

Baker McKenzie

The environment team at Baker McKenzie LLP provides clients with ‘the best environmental law support on a global scale’, utilizing ‘best practitioners in each country’. Practice head John Watson has ‘established a strong, diverse and collaborative team’ and advises domestic and international companies on compliance, enforcement, and the management of environmental risks. More broadly, the group covers regulatory, litigation and transactional matters, and senior counsel David Hackett is a key name for contentious matters, as well as risk and sustainability issues. San Francisco’s Mark Goodman is another name for litigation and has considerable experience of multidistrict cases and class actions. Practitioners are based in Chicago unless otherwise stated.

Practice head(s):

John Watson

Other key lawyers:

David Hackett; Mark Goodman; Daniel De Deo; Jessica Wicha

Testimonials

‘Baker McKenzie provides the best environmental law support on a global scale.’

‘BM engages the best practitioners in each country, understands our company’s approach, and assists us tremendously in successfully resolving complex environmental questions world-wide.’

‘BM has established a strong, diverse, collaborative team that is essential to our company.’

Key clients

World Business Council for Sustainable Development

UN Global Compact US Board

Prince of Wales Charitable Foundation

Mondelēz Global

Work highlights

  • Providing advice to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (“WBCSD”), on a variety of major environmental/sustainability projects with numerous Fortune 500 companies.
  • Serving as outside General Counsel handling all legal issues ranging from environment/sustainability to contracts, compliance, and governance, including advice related to the UNGC ownership role in developing content, standards and programs related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”).
  • Assisting the Prince of Wales Charitable Foundation and its sustainability effort known as Accounting for Sustainability, in creating a US entity and assisting in its efforts to focus on public company CFOs and enhanced financial valuation of sustainability risks and opportunities.

Cox, Castle & Nicholson

Cox, Castle & Nicholson’s environmental offering was given a boost at the start of 2022, with Peter Weiner and senior counsel Ira Klein joining from Paul Hastings LLP in San Francisco and Los Angeles respectively. The practice has a strong California focus and advises clients on brownfield cleanup and redevelopment, hazardous materials, water and air pollution, permitting matters and enforcement actions by regulators. The team is led by San Francisco’s Robert Doty and LA’s Perry Hughes, with Doty handling transactional, regulatory, and litigation issues, and Hughes recommended for disputes and Proposition 65 cases.

Practice head(s):

Robert Doty; Perry Hughes

 

Other key lawyers:

Rachel Jones; Peter Weiner; Ira Klein

Testimonials

‘Robert Doty in particular pays very personal attention to his clients and their specific needs.’

‘Robert Doty is able to communicate with elected officials in a colloquial manner that educates them while also enabling them to ask informed questions.’

Key clients

The Boeing Company

Lennar Homes

Prologis (via a subsidiary named Palmtree Acquisition)

City of Lynwood, California

City of Emeryville/Emeryville Successor Agency

Intersect Power, Clearway Energy, Leeward Renewable Energy, EDF Renewables, etc.

An entity controlled by Stonehill Capital Management LLC

Work highlights

  • Representing numerous utility-scale solar companies (Intersect Power, Clearway Energy, Leeward Renewable Energy, EDF Renewables, etc.) in obtaining permits for 3000MW of projects in California and Nevada.
  • Representing the City of Emeryville/Emeryville Successor Agency in the $89m cleanup and redevelopment of a site that the municipality was forced to abandon due to vapor intrusion risk.
  • Representing residential developer Lennar Homes in obtaining regulatory approvals for housing in Southern California (several projects), including negotiations with Department of Toxic Substances Control and Regional Water Board regarding standards for controlling vapor intrusion.

Dentons

The environmental group at Dentons is led by Brad Cahoon in Salt Lake City and handles regulatory and transactional matters, and litigation. It is particularly strong in brownfield redevelopment matters and acts for a number of major developers in relation to the ESA, CAA, CWA and NEPA, among other areas. Silliman advises on compliance matters at the federal, state and local levels, while Cahoon administrative and regulatory matters. The Los Angeles-based Robert Schuda is a name for Proposition 65 issues and is active in the chemicals, manufacturing and consumer products. Todd Silliman left the firm in June 2023.

Practice head(s):

Brad Cahoon

Other key lawyers:

Robert Schuda

Work highlights

  • Representing Landmark Properties in negotiating agreements, navigating regulatory approvals and licensing and remediation, to find feasible solutions to environmental issues to allow development projects to go forward.

K&L Gates

K&L Gates acts for mid-size and Fortune 500 companies on a range of environmental regulatory matters, with particular experience of permitting, and air and water issues. The team is led by Brian Montag in Newark, Craig Wilson in Harrisburg and Seattle’s Ankur Tohan. Montag is active in the manufacturing, construction, telecoms and chemical sectors and represents clients before administrative authorities, such as the DOJ and EPA; Wilson has over 25 years’ experience and has a strong track record in environmental issues pertaining to energy projects. Tohan handles energy infrastructure and natural resource development projects and is a name for greenhouse gas matters.

Practice head(s):

Brian Montag; Craig Wilson; Ankur Tohan

Other key lawyers:

Timothy Weston; Stanford Baird; Tad Macfarlan

Testimonials

‘Excellent communication with all agencies involved.’

‘Very knowledgeable team that has brought along newer attorneys who are positioned to continue the same level of service and knowledge.’

‘Craig Wilson combines extensive knowledge with a practical outlook and approach. Always gives sound advise and not afraid to take a leap on an issue.’ 

Key clients

New Jersey Asphalt Pavement Association (NJAPA) and New Jersey Concrete and Aggregate Association (NJCAA)

Tilcon New York Inc.

Chemical Council of New Jersey

New York Racing Association

Novozymes North America, Inc.

CPV Renewable Power and affiliates

Specialty Granules LLC.

Weyerhaeuser – Water Rights

NextDecade

Work highlights

    Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

    The energy and environment team at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP is led by Craig Moyer in Los Angeles and advises on regulatory, litigation and transactional matters in the environmental sphere across the country. It acts for businesses, non-profits and public sector entities on crisis and risk management, as well as compliance issues. Moyer is well versed in cases relating to hazardous materials and workplace health and safety incidents and handles investigations and enforcement actions by state and federal regulators. Ted Wolff left in summer 2022.

    Practice head(s):

    Craig Moyer

    Other key lawyers:

    Peter Duchesneau; Matthew Williamson

    Testimonials

    ‘Manatt is our go-to team for environmental regulatory practice in California.’

    ‘They know the law, but just as important, they know all of the key stakeholders and have an appreciation for how legal issues are viewed by those stakeholders across the state.’

    ‘Matthew Williamson and Craig Moyer are valued partners in our California operations.’

    Key clients

    CalNRG (formerly Eagle Petroleum)

    GATX Corp.

    Work highlights

    • Represented Ecobat/Quemetco, one of the nation’s largest specialty metal recyclers, in numerous environmental permitting and compliance matters over the past 10 years.

    McGuireWoods LLP

    McGuireWoods LLP has recently been active in emerging issues, including the EPA’s actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, as well as environmental justice issues and residuals management. The team is also strong in CAA regulatory matters and litigation and is led by Charlotte’s David Franchina and Vishwa Link and Diane Flannery in Richmond. Franchina is a key name for solid and hazardous waste, water and air pollution matters, while Washington DC’s Aaron Flynn and Makram Jaber act for utilities and oil and gas companies on a range of environmental regulatory matters. Amanda Waters joined as counsel in Richmond from Aqua Law in June 2022.

    Practice head(s):

    David Franchina; Vishwa Link; Diane Flannery

    Other key lawyers:

    Aaron Flynn; Makram Jaber; Heather Stevenson; Allison Wood; Amanda Waters

    Key clients

    Crescent Communities

    Work highlights

    • Advising Crescent Communities on the development of multifamily communities on environmentally contaminated properties in prime locations in Phoenix, Arizona and Denver, Colorado.

    Morrison Foerster

    Under the leadership of San Francisco’s William Tarantino and Susan Mac Cormac, the environmental group at Morrison Foerster handles regulatory issues and contentious matters. By virtue of its west coast presence, the practice has considerable experience of dealing with regulatory authorities in California and is particularly active in the manufacturing, utilities, alternative energy, transportation and real estate sectors. It offers clients strong expertise in compliance programs, emergency responses and consumer products law.

    Practice head(s):

    William Tarantino; Susan Mac Cormac

    Key clients

    Mars, Inc.

    Commerce Trust Company, as trustee of Seven Springs Limited Partnership

    Clearwater Seafoods

    C&D Technologies Inc.

    Clorox Company

    Etsy, Inc.

    Norcal Harvesting LLC

    Northrop Grumman

    Mexilink, Inc.

    Zinzino AB

    Work highlights

    • Advising Northrop Grumman in environmental and toxic tort litigation, including a putative class action and approximately 20 mass tort matters, seeking in excess of $1bn.
    • Represented Commerce Trust Company, as trustee of Seven Springs Limited Partnership, for over ten years in connection with an investigation and cleanup of trichloroethylene (PCE) contamination at a former laundromat in South Lake Tahoe, California.
    • Represented C&D Technologies, a market-leading producer of power conversion and storage of electrical power products, in complex, 10-year multi-party environmental remediation litigation brought by the Orange County Water District seeking remediation of a regional plume of volatile organics.

    Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

    Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP environmental team handles both contentious and non-contentious matters, and is spread out across the US; the practice is led by Mark Elliott, who splits his time between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Michael McDonough in LA, Margaret Rosegay in San Francisco, Amanda Halter in Houston and Washington, DC’s Jeffrey Knight. It is particularly strong in energy transition matters, regulatory challenges, transactional issues and compliance counselling. Elliott is a key name for hazardous materials, soil, water, and air quality issues, while Rosegay brings 40 years’ experience to the team, with a focus on permitting and compliance. Halter handles crisis management and environmental liability matters. Chris McNevin and Kevin Fong retired.

    Practice head(s):

    Mark Elliott; Michael McDonough; Margaret Rosegay; Amanda Halter; Jeffrey Knight

    Other key lawyers:

    Sheila Harvey; Matthew Morrison; Reza Zarghamee; Anne Austin

    Testimonials

    ‘Our Pillsbury, Winthrop, Shaw, Pittman attorney is extremely knowledgeable about federal and state regulatory issues and limits related to our project.’

    ‘Their insight into emerging contaminants and its impact on the environmental industry has been absolutely critical to the progress and future planning of our project.’

    ‘Not only does the attorney bring high value for their knowledge and understanding, but they are wonderful to work with – kind, thoughtful, and friendly. We respect them immensely.’

    Key clients

    MP Materials

    Saint-Gobain Inc

    Walmart

    Chevron Corporation

    Kinder Morgan

    Teck Metals Ltd.

    Costco Wholesale Corporation

    Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

    Valero Energy Corporation

    Green Diamond and Humboldt Redwood

    Western States Petroleum Association

    Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.

    PBF Energy

    Solvay USA, Inc

    Genentech, Inc.

    Orsted

    Neste

    Valero Energy

    Opal Fuels

    Brookfield Renewable Energy

    Arkema

    State Soybean Associations

    Waste Management

    Renewable Fuels Association

    Reed Smith LLP

    Reed Smith LLP’s environmental health and safety law team has a broad geographic reach and is led by practitioners across the country; Jennifer Smokelin is based in Pittsburgh, Ben Patton in Houston, Todd Maiden is in San Francisco, Megan Haines splits her time between Pittsburgh and Houston, and Peter Trimarchi, who recently joined from Nixon Peabody LLP is located in New York. The team handles a broad range of regulatory matters, including permitting, compliance, crisis management, investigations and enforcement actions by regulators and the regulatory aspects of corporate deals. It also strong in ESG matters.

    Practice head(s):

    Jennifer Smokelin; Ben Patton; Todd Maiden; Megan Haines; Peter Trimarchi

    Other key lawyers:

    Mary Balaster

    Work highlights

      Squire Patton Boggs

      Squire Patton Boggs handles regulatory matters in a broad range of sectors, including chemical, manufacturing, transportation and energy, and it also advises on related disputes and litigation, including cost recovery, toxic tort cases and government enforcement matters. Practice head Karen Winters is based in Columbus and is a key name for environmental liability and compliance issues, as well as the defense of federal and state enforcement proceedings. In Denver, Carolyn McIntosh is recommended for compliance, regulatory work and litigation, with a focus on renewable energy and clean technologies, while Cleveland’s Douglas McWilliams is a name for CAA and CERCLA matters.

      Practice head(s):

      Karen Winters

      Other key lawyers:

      Allen Kacenjar; Carolyn McIntosh; Douglas McWilliams

      Testimonials

      ‘They have built a team with significant and diverse industry and government experience that helps to inform their advice.’

      ‘Carolyn McIntosh is an excellent and highly experienced environmental counsel. She understands client needs and how to effectively deliver services on complex issues.’

      Key clients

      The Mosaic Company

      Huntsman Corporation

      Triad National Security

      First Solar

      Comstock

      Work highlights

      • Advising a renewable fuel company on strategies to access renewable fuel incentives through changes to the federal Renewable Fuel Standards rule and applications for source-specific renewable fuel pathway approvals.
      • Representing national laboratory in New Mexico triennial review of Clean Water Act standards, which will establish the water quality standards applicable throughout the State of New Mexico.
      • Obtained Ohio EPA approval to commence construction on a client’s aggressive critical path schedule for expansion of manufacturing operations to make more utility-scale solar modules in anticipation of infrastructure investments in renewable energy.

      Troutman Pepper

      Troutman Pepper is particularly strong in regulatory matters, policy developments and litigation risks and acts for a range of high-profile companies and industry associations. It has recently been handling a number of mandates relating to the energy transition, including the environmental aspects of electric vehicles, electric vehicle battery manufacturing plants and domestic lithium production. The team is led by Richmond’s Andrea Wortzel, who offers considerable expertise in waste management compliance, permitting, water supply issues and litigation, while in Atlanta, Fitzgerald Veira is a name for nuclear regulatory matters, pollution and CWA and NEPA matters. Catherine Little and Annie Cook left in June 2022, while Randy Brogdon left a month later in July.

      Practice head(s):

      Andrea Wortzel

      Other key lawyers:

      Andrea Wortzel; Mack McGuffey; Shawn O’Brien

      Key clients

      Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE) and Operating Companies

      Corporate Environmental Enforcement Council (CEEC)

      Delta Airlines

      Virginia Environmental Restoration Association

      Davey Resource Group

      VEOLIA North America

      Mission H20

      Kiewit Corporation

      City of Richmond, Virginia

      Colorado Attorney General’s Office

      LimnoTech

      DeKalb County, Georgia

      Mar-Jac Poultry

      Celco

      Virginia Manufacturers Association and AdvanSix Resins & Chemicals

      Public Service Company of New Mexico

      Alpha Metallurgical Resources

      Electric Power Research Institute

      Albemarle Corporation

      Work highlights

      • Serving as dedicated outside counsel to CEEC on its enforcement policies and initiatives.
      • Advising Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) on the development and implementation of one of the largest, interstate water quality trading projects in the country, spanning Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.
      • Working with Albemarle to design, permit and construct a lithium mine in Kings Mountain, NC to provide a reliable domestic supply of lithium for the exploring EV battery market.

      Wiley Rein LLP

      The Washington DC-based environment and product regulation team at Wiley Rein LLP is led by Tracy Heinzman and offers clients ‘excellent knowledge, good contacts within the regulatory arena, and clear analysis and communication’. The practice provides advice on enforcement, litigation, and regulatory compliance, and is particularly strong in pesticides, ESA matters, recycling and issues relating to toxic substances. Its client base includes high-profile corporations, industry associations and government entities. Heinzman is experienced in public policy, communications and risk liability, with a focus on the chemicals sector. Martha Marrapese is a name for toxic substances control (TSCA) matters, while senior counsel David Weinberg focuses on environmental, occupational health and safety, and product safety matters.

      Practice head(s):

      Tracy Heinzman

      Other key lawyers:

      Martha Marrapese; David Weinberg

      Testimonials

      ‘Excellent knowledge, good contacts within the regulatory arena, clear analysis and communication have been the hallmarks of our interaction with Wiley Rein’.            

      ‘Martha Marrapese has provided excellent legal guidance and support providing essential legal structure and advice throughout the engagement.’

      Key clients

      Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute; Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers; National Association of Manufacturers; and National Electrical Manufacturers Association

      AMVAC Chemical Corporation

      Battery Council International

      CropLife America

      Danimer Scientific, LLC

      Downstream Users Coalition

      Essential Minerals Association

      Lithium Ion Cell Manufacturers’ Coalition

      Novozymes

      Oxitec Ltd.

      PRBA – The Rechargeable Battery Association

      U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and Congressman Sam Graves (R-Mo.), Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and a coalition of 199 other members of Congress.

      Work highlights

      • Representing AMVAC Chemical Corporation in a significant and precedent-setting administrative action under FIFRA (the federal law governing the regulation, sale, and use of pesticide products).
      • Monitoring and responding to legislative proposals at the state and federal level on a continuous basis on behalf of the Battery Council International (BCI).
      • Serving as Oxitec’s US regulatory counsel and agent as they seek EPA regulatory approval for use of genetically engineered Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (OX5034 Aedes aegypti) that have 100% female lethality at the larval stage of development.

      WilmerHale

      The energy, environment and natural resources group at WilmerHale has a strong presence on the west cost and handles regulatory matters, transactions and disputes, with a focus on the manufacturing, energy, defense, real estate and automotive sectors. In addition to regulatory compliance, the practice advises on risk mitigation, health and safety issues, and actions brought by regulators at the federal, state and local levels. Peggy Otum heads the team and is a key name for ESG issues, product liability matters and environmental investigations. The team was bolstered at the start of 2022 with the arrival of Davina Pujari and special counsel Christopher Rheinheimer, who joined from Hanson Bridgett LLP. Attorneys are based in San Francisco.

      Practice head(s):

      Peggy Otum

      Other key lawyers:

      Davina Pujari; Christopher Rheinheimer

      Testimonials

      ‘People are responsive and thoughtful, well organized, and direct.’

      ‘Efficient, fair, direct communication, good experience and advice.’

      ‘The attorneys at Wilmer Hale I have worked with are top notch. They are diligent and produce a high-quality work product.’

      ‘I have known Davina Pujari for decades, and have been her opposing counsel on a major environmental litigation and regulatory matter. I am currently opposing counsel to Peggy Otum on a major transactional matter. These lawyers are top notch — at the top of their game, enjoying a very high reputation in the legal community here in the Bay Area and even on a national level.’

      ‘From personal experience, they are impressive. They are working hard to expand the size of their group here, which may have been the only thing holding them back from larger recognition.’

      Key clients

      Tetra Tech

      Charlie Sammut

      Work highlights

      • Representing Tetra Tech and certain affiliates in complex and wide-ranging multibillion-dollar False Claims Act and environmental litigation arising from the remediation of Hunters Point Shipyard, a former US Navy facility, which closed in 1994.
      • Representing Charlie Sammut in a multi-defendant, complex federal criminal matter in the District of South Carolina under the Endangered Species and Lacey Acts, regarding allegations of wildlife violations. Sammut is the operator of Monterey Zoo.