Environment: regulatory in United States

Arnold & Porter

The market-leading environmental practice at Arnold & Porter offers clients assistance across a gamut of regulatory and enforcement matters, spanning the Oil Pollution Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, as well as the Endangered Species Act. The deep bench fields the deeply experienced Brian Israel , whose practice is split between Washington DC and Los Angeles, and is sought after for his experience handling Natural Resource Damages claims. The DC office is home to Jonathan Martel, whose specialty lies within matters relating to the Clean Air Act, Ethan Shenkman, who adeptly handles a range of mandates including climate change policy and biofuels regulation and Emily Orler, who assists clients across the lifecycle of environmental review and permitting, as well as Stacey Halliday, who has notable expertise in dealing with social corporate responsibility, corporate governance and environmental justice matters. Over in the California office, Zachary Fayne aids clients with regulatory counseling, with a special focus on air quality compliance, while Sarah Grey, of the Colorado office, is noted for her work with clients from the fuels, energy, automotive and manufacturing spheres. Her wide practice encompasses high-value brownfield developments, contaminated sites work and environmental auditing policies.

Practice head(s):

Brian Israel


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Martel; Ethan Shenkman; Lawrence Culleen; Zachary Fayne; Sarah Grey; Judah Prero; Emily Orler; Stacey Halliday


Key clients

Atlantic Richfield Honeywell International The Chemours Company Donlin Gold Ford Growth Energy


Work highlights


  • Served as lead environmental counsel 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.
  • Advised AT&T in relation to its response to a Wall Street Journal article alleging that AT&T’s legacy lead-clad cables have and are causing environmental and public health harm.
  • Represented Honeywell with respect to the ongoing CERCLA remedial investigations and remedy selection processes at numerous mega-sites in the New York/New Jersey waterways, including Newark Bay, the Lower Passaic, Berry’s Creek, and the Gowanus Canal. Our firm serves as lead counsel to Honeywell on all aspects of these matters, including litigation, regulatory matters, and mediation and negotiation with other parties.

Beveridge & Diamond, P.C.

Boutique firm Beveridge & Diamond, P.C. remains a dominant force within the environmental sector, offering domestic and multinational clients alike nationwide expertise across contamination, ESG, circular economy, plastic waste, sustainability and environmental justice issues. Leadership of the practice is shared between Washington DC-based Paul Hagen, who is known by clients for his work on global supply chain issues and product stewardship, and former EPA regional counsel Allyn Stern, who with deep industry experience, is well equipped to handle a wide range of environmental regulation, compliance and enforcement mandates from Seattle. In Washington DC, James Slaughter and John Cruden deal with environmental law and natural resources regulation and compliance. Austin-based Karen Hansen co-leads the firm’s water practice and is widely experienced handling Texas water law, including regulation, permitting and compliance issues.

Practice head(s):

Paul Hagen; Allyn Stern


Other key lawyers:

John Cruden; Karen Hansen; Maddie Boyer; Lauren Hopkins; David Weber; Julius Redd; Parker Moore; Eric Christensen; Brook Detterman


Testimonials

‘Consistent delivery of strategic legal advice.’

Key clients

BASF Corporation


BNSF Railway Company


Chevron Phillips Chemical Company


Clarios


Delta Air Lines


General Electric


Shell USA


United Airlines


Walmart


Westlake Corporation


Work highlights


  • Serving as lead regulatory counsel for the Mountain Valley Pipeline project on Endangered Species Act and other federal environmental issues issues.
  • Serving as outside counsel to United Airlines with respect to its compliance with federal and state environmental issues nationwide.
  • Serving as project counsel to Chevron Phillips Chemical Company on a variety of environmental and related permitting matters in its construction of an $8.5 billion integrated polymers facility in Orange, Texas, as a joint venture with QatarEnergy.

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

The environmental group at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP is a key point of contact for clients within the energy, industrial, manufacturing and real estate sectors, seeking assistance with natural resources, air, water, chemicals and climate change mandates. The practice is co-chaired by the Washington DC-based duo Eric Murdock and Deidre Duncan. The former is best known for his knowledge of environmental risk management, while the latter specializes in water and natural resources compliance issues. Also practicing from Washington DC is Matthew Leopold, who handles water regulation, waste, chemicals and hazardous substances, Kerry McGrath, natural resources and environmental lawyer, who works with clients from across the mining and utilities sectors and Chuck Knauss, who predominantly assists automotive, manufacturing and oil and gas clients with environmental and energy compliance, risk management and enforcement. Over in San Francisco, Shannon Broome co-leads the ESG and climate change practice, aiding clients in the renewables, oil and gas sectors with environmental regulation, counseling and risk assessment alongside Clare Ellis, whose in depth knowledge of climate change secures her a range of clients from within the transport and energy sectors.

Practice head(s):

Eric Murdock; Deidre Duncan


Other key lawyers:

Matthew Leopold; Kerry McGrath; Chuck Knauss; Shannon Broome; Clare Ellis


Key clients

American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and United States Steel Corporation


Air Permitting Forum (APF) and Auto Industry Forum (AIF)


Texas Oil and Gas Association, Inc. (TXOGA)


Cargill, Inc.


Baker Botts L.L.P.

The team at Baker Botts L.L.P., led by Houston’s Scott Janoe, offers clients coast-to-coast expertise, handling a spread of environmental challenges such as incident response, energy transition, contaminated sites, as well as air and water quality and supply. The Houston-based Scott Elliott works predominantly with chemical and energy clients, assisting with environmental health and safety issues and investigations. Over in Washington DC, Debra Jezouit is known by clients from across pharmaceutical and chemical industries for her experience dealing with Clean Air Act issues, whilst Alexandra Dunn, former member of the EPA’s Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention division, is well equipped to handle the gamut of risk management advice concerning contaminants and chemicals, particularly regarding PFOS. The team has also been bolstered by the recent acquisition of DC-based partner Shailesh Sahay from Foley Hoag LLP.

Practice head(s):

J. Scott Janoe


Other key lawyers:

Scott Elliott; Debra Jezouit; Alexandra Dunn; Stephanie Bergeron Perdue; Megan Berge; Paulina Williams; Shailesh Sahay


Key clients

American Water Works Association


Bp America, Inc.


Callon Petroleum Company


Conocophillips


CPS Energy


Croplife America


Dcp Operating Company, LP


Delek US Holdings, Inc.


Energy Transfer LP


Entergy Services, Inc.


Exxonmobil Corporation


Halliburton Company


Hess Corporation


Intercontinental Terminals Company Llc


Lyondellbasell Industries


Marathon Oil Corporation


Marathon Petroleum Company


National Association Of Clean Water Agencies


NRG Energy, Inc.


Occidental Chemical Corporation


Puget Sound Energy


Repsol SA


Salt River Project


Sempra Energy


Sunoco/aloha Petroleum


Tennessee American Water Co.


TPC Group Inc.


Union Pacific Railroad


Valero Corporation


West Virginia American Water Co.


Wood Group USA Holdings


Work highlights


  • Advising Sempra Energy affiliate Port Arthur LNG, LLC on permitting issues associated with the development of a new natural gas liquefaction plant and export terminal near Port Arthur, Texas.
  • Representing the Western States Petroleum Association in separate challenges to the California Air Resources Board’s Advance Clean Cars II (ACC II) and Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulations.
  • Advising BP on considerations for proposed carbon capture sequestration projects, including drafting and negotiation of documentation and potential development issues.

Bracewell LLP

Bracewell LLP provides clients with a coast-to-coast regulatory practice that covers climate change, infrastructure development, particularly within the renewable energy sphere, ESG, hazardous waste, chemicals and contamination in addition to incident response. The group is co-led from Washington DC by Jason Hutt , who specializes in energy and environmental matters, and Jeffrey Holmstead , an experienced climate change lawyer, whose extensive experience in the Clean Air Act secures him a spread of work from the energy and industrial sectors. Over in Austin, Timothy Wilkins is a name to note for matters relating to the energy transition and ESG, while Brittany Pemberton, of the Washington DC office, attracts clients from the industrial and energy sectors for her experience handling regulatory compliance and enforcement mandates.

Practice head(s):

Jason B. Hutt; Jeffrey R. Holmstead


Other key lawyers:

Sara Burgin; Kevin Ewing; Kevin Collins; Ann Navaro; Matthew Paulson; Whit Swift; Timothy Wilkins; Brittany Pemberton


Key clients

Equinor Wind


Texas Eastern Transmission, L.P.


Vanguard Renewables


Republic Services, Inc.


The Dow Chemical Company


City of Chicago


Gulf Coast Sequestration


US Chamber of Commerce


Sinclair


Wyoming Refining Company


Cheniere Energy, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Counsel to Par Pacific, representing the company on all of its environmental compliance, permitting and enforcement needs.
  • Counsel to Equinor Wind, a global energy company, concerning its offshore wind business in the United States.

Hogan Lovells US LLP

Hogan Lovells US LLP’s environment and natural resources practice is well established across several key sectors, including energy, aviation, telecommunications, transport and have wide experience advising on clean up, contamination, hazardous waste, emissions, real estate and public and Native American land issues. The group is co-chaired by Denver’s Scott Reisch , a key point of contact for clients seeking assistance with compliance and contamination issues, and Washington DC’s Adam Kushner , who is best known for his ability to resolve issues under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation Recovery Act. Over in San Francisco, Tom Boer draws upon a strong background in the chemicals industry to assist clients, while Washington DC-based Hilary Tompkins predominantly aids with clean energy and ESG matters. Scot Anderson  and Ana Maria Gutiérrez have left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Scott Reisch; Adam Kushner


Other key lawyers:

Tom Boer; Hilary Tompkins; Joanne Rotondi


Testimonials

‘Scott Reisch is my first choice whenever a legal review or action is needed. He is always available and consistently provides excellent legal advice and support. He has expertise with regulatory agencies across the country which is vital for my company that has a national presence.’

Key clients

Inhance Technologies


Apartment Investment & Management Company and Apartment Income REIT Corp


McDonalds


Bolthouse Farms


B. Braun Medical, Inc.


Enterprise Products Operating


Commercial Drone Alliance


Nissan North America, Inc.


Brixmor Property Group


Canadian Pacific


Lumen Technologies


King & Spalding LLP

Fielding a team of experts backed by agency experience, King & Spalding LLP is well equipped to handle a spread of environmental matters, relating to materials compliance, renewables, emissions and toxic substances. The team is led by Granta Nakayama, based in Washington DC, whose wide practice spans the breadth of air, water, waste, toxic chemicals and pesticides enforcement and compliance work. Peter Hsiao, of the Los Angeles office heads the West Coast environmental health and safety practice, leveraging his experience in environment, climate change and natural resources legislation, while the Chicago-based Karl Heisler handles a spread of enforcement and incident response matters, which ranges from fires and explosions, right through to pipeline releases and the abandonment of hazardous waste. Ilana Saltzbart specializes in renewables and biofuels, while Cynthia Stroman is a name to note in energy and chemicals regulation. Both practitioners are based in Washington DC.

Practice head(s):

Granta Nakayama


Other key lawyers:

Peter Hsiao; Ilana Saltzbart; Patrick Runge; Karl Heisler; Cynthia Stroman


Key clients

Chevron


Phillips 66


Dow Chemical Company


ConocoPhillips  (NYSE: COP)


Garrison Investment Group


Shell Oil Co.


Work highlights


  • Advising ConocoPhillips on the safe decommissioning of two offshore oil platforms in the Santa Barbara Channel, the most significant decommissioning project in California.
  • Representing Garrison, a real estate investment firm, regarding one of the largest electronic waste (“e-waste”) abandonments in U.S. history.
  • Advising a renewable fuel producer regarding compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (“EPA”) Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program and its newly promulgated Set Rule.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

The environmental group at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP offers clients nationwide expertise on investigations, enforcement, compliance, natural resources permitting, infrastructure projects, hazardous waste, contaminated sites, as well as clean up. Los Angeles-based James Dragna, who is a key point of contact for clients in the manufacturing, energy and aerospace spheres seeking assistance with environmental crises co-leads the practice, alongside Princeton’s John McGahren, who is well versed at handling Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act compliance and claims. The Los Angeles office fields Rick Rothman and David Brown, both of whom adeptly handle mandates relating to air quality, energy, climate change and hazardous substances. Other key names to note are Ella Foley Gannon, of the San Francisco office, who deals with natural resource permitting and Doug Hasting in Washington DC, whose practice encompasses a spread of environmental and administrative law, particularly response, compensation and liability mandates relating to the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.


Practice head(s):

James J. Dragna; John McGahren


Other key lawyers:

Rick Rothman; Ella Foley Gannon; David Brown; Doug Hastings


Key clients

Southern California Gas Company and Sempra Energy


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


Zayo Group


BKK Working Group


Philips


Sherwin-Williams


Port Authority of NY/NJ


Celanese Corporation and affiliates


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


Work highlights


  • Served regulatory counsel for Sempra Energy and SoCalGas in some of its most high-profile litigation and regulatory proceedings stemming from a natural gas leak at its Aliso Canyon facility in Porter Ranch, California, in 2015 and 2016.
  • Represented Zayo Group in obtaining final unanimous approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to break ground on a 193-mile fiber optic broadband internet line through northeast California that is part of a 433-mile line that begins in Umatilla, Oregon, on the Washington border, and terminates in Reno, Nevada.
  • Advising Sherwin-Williams regarding its remediation of two listed and one proposed Superfund sites in Camden County, New Jersey.

DLA Piper LLP (US)

The environmental practice at DLA Piper LLP (US) assists a spread of high-profile clients in matters relating to climate change, sustainability, supply chain and remediation. George Gigounas co-leads from the office in San Francisco, handling environmental contamination, product regulation and climate change law, alongside Gwen Keyes Fleming, best known for her ‘government experience’, who deals with compliance rulemaking and environmental justice. The team is also home to Robert Alessi , New York based environmental and energy lawyer, Adam Baas , of the San Francisco office, who is a key name to note in emerging contaminants and clean up and New York based Jeff Salinger, who is praised by his clients as ‘the best in the business’. His wide practice spans health and safety, ESG and real estate issues as well as corporate social responsibility.  Andrew Cooper joined the Washington DC office in early 2023 from Van Ness Feldman LLP specializing in compliance.

Practice head(s):

George John Gigounas; Gwendolyn Keyes


Other key lawyers:

Robert Alessi; Adam Baas; Jeff Salinger; Andrew Cooper; Paul Wierenga


Testimonials

‘Jeff Salinger is the best in the business. He knows his legal aspects to a tee and has a great commercial viewpoint. He is fast and gets his document reviews done rapidly.’

‘This practice is unique because of the government experience of its partners, namely Gwen Keyes Fleming. I have known Mrs. Keyes Fleming since she was the US EPA Regional Administrator for Region 4 and she was subsequently the Chief of Staff of a former National Administrator. This experience has provided Mrs. Keyes Fleming with a wealth of knowledge about environmental regulations and the inner workings of the EPA, as well as many contacts within the government.’

‘Gwen Keyes Flemming. Not only is she perhaps the most qualified environmental regulatory attorney in the country, but she also hires similarly qualified individuals to her team. When an in-house client goes to Gwen for advice, we know that she is thinking with the mind of a regulator, not just giving us abstract textbook opinions. At the end of the day, that is what I need to advise my C-Suite on the best interests of the company.’

‘Gwen Keyes Flemming and Paul Wierenga are pragmatic attorneys who use their “real-world” experience to their clients’ advantage. Gwen’s impressive background attracts the best and the brightest to her practice. I never doubt the quality or feasibility of the advice that I get from Gwen and her team.’

Key clients

Michelin North America, Inc.


BASF Corporation


BAE Systems


Danone


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


Northrop Grumman Corporation


The Chlorine Institute


Baker Commodities


BAE Systems Ship Repair


Ted Segal


CAE, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Representing Michelin North America, Kumho USA, and Hankook Tire America in a novel case impacting the entire tire industry regarding 6PPD, an anti-degredation chemical in all vehicle tires, with Endangered Species Act and potential other claims.
  • Representing BASF Corporation in one of the largest environmental and toxic tort multidistrict litigation matters regarding PFAS in foam (AFFF).
  • Representing the Chlorine Institute and its members on cutting edge TSCA, FIFRA, CWA and transportation issues that are implicated by the production and distribution of chlorine and its other mission chemicals.

Greenberg Traurig LLP

National companies turn to the environmental practice at Greenberg Traurig LLP for aid with manufacturing, energy, food, water, ESG, transportation and resources issues, from compliance and rulemaking right through to litigation. Leadership of the group is shared between David Weinstein who, operating from Tampa, is a name to note in toxic tort defence and product liability and Christopher Neumann, of the Denver office, who specialises in oil and gas, mining, hazardous waste and environmental incidents. Over in Miami, Kerri Barsh , is known by public and private clients alike for her experience with compliance and enforcement matters like permitting, product liability and infrastructure projects, whilst the New York-based Steven Russo‘s practice encompasses toxic tort litigation, permitting, energy and real estate law.

Practice head(s):

David B. Weinstein; Christopher Neumann; Kerri L. Barsh; Steven Russo


Other key lawyers:

David Mandelbaum; Christopher Bell


Key clients

Xcel Energy


AES Corp


State of North Dakota


BP


National Grid


Atlantic Shores


Miami Freedom Park and Inter Miami CF Owners David Beckham and Jorge and Jose Mas


Constellation Energy


Work highlights


  • Providing legal counsel on Native American Tribal matters to Xcel Energy on two major proposed projects:(1) Colorado’s Power Pathway; and (2) the Unaweep Canyon Pumped-Storage Hydropower (PSH) Project.
  • Advised on the site rehabilitation plan for the Stadium complex for the Major League Soccer team owned by soccer legend David Beckham and Miami entrepreneurs Jorge and Jose Mas.
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Van Ness Feldman LLP

The environment and land, water and natural resources team at Van Ness Feldman LLP offers clients, particularly those from across the automotive, utilities, oil and gas and marine industries, an ‘attentive and reliable service’, which covers air pollution, climate change, permitting, compliance, investigations, resources, hazardous waste, endangered species and clean up. The deep bench include Stephen Fotis, who handles work relating to the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and climate change issues, Britt Fleming, who deals with environmental law and regulation, as well as energy policy and Jonathan Simon, whose practice spans the breadth of natural resources, public lands and energy law and infrastructure projects. Tyson Kade is another name to note, recommended for his work natural resources and energy law. All practitioners mentioned are based in Washington DC.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Fotis; Britt Fleming; Jonathan Simon


Other key lawyers:

Tyson Kade; Kyle Danish


Testimonials

‘Attentive and reliable service.’

‘A ‘small firm’ feel with delivery of big firm quality.’

‘Kyle Danish is not only a well-known Clean Air Act expert in Washington, DC, he is also well-known as being collaborative and a first class problem-solving partner. He participates in our projects bringing his formidable intellect but also a strong partnership ethic.’

Key clients

Constellation Energy


Los Angeles Department of Water & Power


Honda


Wolftrap Foundation for the Performing Arts


GE Vernova


ConnectGen Operating LLC


Shell


Nissan


Doyon Limited


Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Association


Work highlights


  • Represented the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts in its efforts to negotiate a new 20-year Cooperative Agreement with the National Park Service (NPS) relating to the operation of the Park and to update the partnership between the NPS and the Foundation to ensure that the Park continues to serve as a nationally renowned performing arts and cultural destination.
  • Advising Shell on issues related to the reduction of methane emissions (a potent greenhouse gas) from oil and gas sources.
  • Provides counsel to Constellation Energy on compliance with and transactions under the EPA’s Renewable Fuels Standard program.

Vinson & Elkins LLP

The environment and natural resources department at Vinson & Elkins LLP is a key point of contact for clients seeking assistance with investigations, permitting, incident response, as well as litigation. Practice head Ronald Tenpas leads from Washington DC, working with energy, oil and gas, manufacturing and chemicals companies on enforcement, prosecutions and investigations and violations of the CAA. In the Houston office, Brandon Tuck deals with natural resources law, handling a spread of project development and permitting matters for clients within the infrastructure, energy and maritime sectors, alongside Matthew Dobbins, whose focus lies within regulatory counselling and transactional matters, particularly relating to energy transition.

Practice head(s):

Ronald Tenpas


Other key lawyers:

Brandon Tuck; Matthew Dobbins


Key clients

American Water Works Association


National Rural Water Association


Ocean Point Terminals


Aerospace Industries Association


IAV GmbH


Enbridge Inc.


Freeport-McMoRan Inc.


New Fortress Energy LLC


Perpetua Resources Corp.


ALTIVIA Management Inc.


Tadano Ltd.


Denbury Inc.


NextEra Energy, Inc.


Texas Eastern Transmission, LP


Mewbourne Oil Company


M6 Midstream Elevation


Midstream CapturePoint Solutions


Validus Energy


Cheniere Energy


JL Proler & Iron and Steel Co. Enbridge (and affiliates, including Rio Bravo Pipeline Company, LLC, Enbridge Ingleside Oil Terminal, LLC, and Texas Eastern Transmission LP)


Spire Storage West LLC


Gulf Coast Ammonia


Rio Bravo


Pipeline Enbridge


Ingleside Oil Terminal, LLC


Greer Capital Corporation


Magellan Terminals Holdings, L.P.


Baker McKenzie

The environmental team at Baker McKenzie LLP attracts a spread of multinationals from across key industries such as the oil and gas, renewables, pharmaceuticals, mining and industrial sectors seeking advice on regulatory compliance, enforcement and litigation. John Watson leads the practice from Chicago, developing compliance programs and sustainability initiatives for US and multinational companies alike. David Hackett, of the Chicago office, is a trusted advisor to nonprofits, major corporations and legal departments on US and international environmental risk and compliance, while over in San Francisco Mark Goodman handles product liability, risk mitigation and cross-border disputes. Colleen Baime, who joined the Chicago office from McDermott Will & Emery LLP  in mid-2023, is also a key name.

Practice head(s):

John W. Watson


Testimonials

‘Very strong.’

‘David Hackett is incredibly knowledgeable.’

Key clients

UN Global Compact


US Board


Prince of Wales Charitable Foundation


World Business Council for Sustainable Development


Work highlights


  • Advised the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (“WBCSD”), on a variety of major environmental/sustainability projects with numerous Fortune 500 companies. Current projects include the ESG governance initiatives, soy sustainability standards, antitrust considerations in industry standards development, plastics programs and regulation, and sustainable finance.
  • 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

The environmental law practice at Cox, Castle & Nicholson specialises in brownfield site clean up and redevelopment, hazardous waste, endangered species, water and air pollution and permitting for renewables. Robert Doty leads the group from San Francisco, working with manufacturers, government agencies and financial institutions on the contaminated site clean up and redevelopment, alongside Perry Hughes, of the Los Angeles office, who is a key point of contact for clients looking for advice on real estate liabilities, namely regarding acquisitions, developments or financing of contaminated sites.

Practice head(s):

Robert Doty; Perry Hughes


Other key lawyers:

Rachel Jones; Peter Weiner; Ira Klein; Preston Brooks


Testimonials

‘The CCN team are experts not just in the nuance of environmental issues but also as strategic guides to complex land use and entitlement processes. They see the whole picture and are able to recommend the best course of action.’

‘Preston Brooks is a unique talent in complex environmental law. He is able to see the whole chessboard, negotiate effectively, and move people to a favorable place for his client’s benefit. He is a valued strategic advisor.’

Key clients

The Boeing CompanyLennar 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 Stonehill Capital Management LLC (through an entity named Blue Ox Holdings LLC) in a matter that involves the acquisition of an infamous nearly 1000-acre property in Santa Clarita, California (northern Los Angeles County), where Stonehill Capital Management LLC (through an entity named Blue Ox Holdings LLC) will be able to complete the last phases of environmental remediation and proceed with redevelopment of the property.
  • Representing The Boeing Company on all issues related to remediation of their Santa Susana Field Laboratory, including RCRA, CERCLA, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species, and CEQA matters.
  • Representing numerous utility-scale solar companies (Intersect Power, Clearway Energy, Leeward Renewable Energy, EDF Renewables, etc.) in obtaining permits on federal land for 3000MW of projects in California and Nevada.

Dentons

Dentons is well versed in handling a wide spread of environmental matters, covering chemical regulation, brownfield clean-up and redevelopment, as well as mandates falling under the Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act. Bradley Cahoon heads the team from the Salt Lake City Office, advising client s on contaminated properties as well as the development, financing and purchasing of renewables projects and industrial facilities. The Los Angeles office fields Robert Schuda, who has deep experience advising on environmental law and regulation, and is recommended for his work in chemicals and pesticides regulation in the agricultural and consumer products spheres.

Practice head(s):

Bradley Cahoon


Other key lawyers:

Robert Schuda


Testimonials

‘Relevant experience and relationships with regulatory agencies.’

‘Brad Cahoon is one of the most knowledgeable subject matter experts that has advised our group on many complicated environmental cleanups and regulatory matters to help us manage risk and complete projects.’

 

Key clients

Citgo Petroleum Corporation, Lemont Refinery


ACT Commodities, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Representing Citgo Petroluem and Lemont Refinery in one of the largest and longest running environmental rulemaking actions, and on the re-consideration of the water quality standards for the Chicago River system and downstream waters. T
  • Advising ACT Commodities, Inc. in trading energy commodities.

K&L Gates

Clients seek out the assistance of the environmental group at K&L Gates for its deep knowledge of environmental and natural resources law, which includes natural resources damages, brownfield redevelopment and environmental justice. Newmark’s Brian Montag works with chemicals, construction and manufacturing clients, regularly assisting with issues to do with hazardous waste and product liability, while Craig Wilson, of the Harrisburg office, works handles environmental permitting and land development approvals for clients developing energy projects. In Seattle, Ankur Tohan counsels clients on compliance, with a strong focus on energy transition work.

Practice head(s):

Brian Montag; Craig Wilson; Ankur Tohan


Other key lawyers:

Timothy Weston; Stanford Baird; Tad Macfarlan


Testimonials

‘Significant regulatory and environment expertise in aquaculture, especially in California.’

‘The Regulatory practice in the Washington state office offers experience, necessary relationships and superb work while also balancing necessary work with budget. For many relationships relevant in the State, not every firm offers the necessary, long-standing relationships and knowledge of subject matter. ’

‘K&L Gates is a reliable resource for our HSE group, providing support primarily for regulatory and environmental compliance functions, but also contributing when other legal questions arise. Their insight is highly regarded. ’

‘Craig Wilson is our primary contact. He has extensive experience with our site and has a wealth of knowledge of site history in addition to his current regulatory insight. ’

 

Key clients

CPV Renewable Power and Affiliates


Olympus Energy, LLC


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


Cooperating Parties Group (CPG)


Mannington Mills


Chemical Council of New Jersey


110 Sand Company


Wild Seafood Company


Weyerhaeuser – Water Rights


James Hardie Industries PLC


McGuireWoods LLP

The environmental enforcement and regulatory counselling practice group at McGuireWoods LLP handles compliance, permitting and auditing for land use, natural resources development and energy projects. The team is home to David Franchina, of the Charlotte office, who regularly handles regulatory and compliance for solid and hazardous waste as well as matters related to water and air pollution and Makram Jaber who is a key contact in Washington DC for her deep experience handling Clean Air Act issues. With the hire of Adam Sowatzka from King & Spalding LLP, whose practice spans across air, water and waste issues, the firm has also strengthened its offering in Atlanta.

 

Practice head(s):

David Franchina; Makram Jaber; Adam Sowatzka


Work highlights


  • Served as lead counsel in the response to an incident where seven workers were exposed to hydrochloric acid during a maintenance activity at the Wacker facility in Charleston, Tennessee.
  • Led an investigation into environmental regulations for The Home Depot, additionally assisting with the design, testing, and implementation of a company-wide program and electronic compliance system to ensure compliance with the RRP Rule.
  • Served as lead outside counsel for Holcim regarding violations of the Clean Water Act.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Attracting state, national and international clients from across the industrial and energy sectors, the environmental team at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is regularly called upon to assist with regulatory challenges related to environmental, climate change, natural resources and land law. In Los Angeles, Mark Elliott is recommended for his work with hazardous materials, soil, water, and air quality regulations, while Michael McDonough advises manufacturers, utilities, oil and gas and renewables clients on waste management issues. Margaret Rosegay, who splits her time between San Francisco & Silicon Valley, deals with solid and hazardous waste and water quality permitting and compliance issues, while in Washington DC, Jeffrey Knight attracts clients from across the energy, infrastructure, agriculture, construction and real estate spheres for his compliance and agency rulemaking portfolio. Amanda Halter is recommended, standing out for her ‘exceptional legal knowledge and strategic advice.’

Practice head(s):

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


Testimonials

‘Experienced, knowledgeable, savvy, commercial, and practical.’

‘Jeff Knight is an absolute pro. He’s been working in this area for years, so his advice is thorough and practical. His advice is tempered by wisdom and experience. He also has an excellent feel for the commercial needs of his clients.’

‘It’s clear the the members of the Regulatory Practice group have deep knowledge of trends, emerging issues and practices/procedures across all levels of government. Their advice is always practical, well-attuned the needs of our business. ’

‘Amanda Halter is exceptional when it comes to integrating her advice with our broader business objectives. She is a trusted advisor, whose recommendations are confidently accepted by both our legal team and our commercial teams.’

‘Exceptional legal knowledge, strategic and excellent communication skills.’

‘Amanda Halter- excellent listener, exceptional legal knowledge and strategic advice.’

Key clients

Rust Movie Productions


PBF Energy, Chevron, Valero Energy Corporation, Costco Wholesale Corporation and Pacific Atlantic Terminals LLC


Western States Petroleum Association


The Walt Disney Company


California Chapters – Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries


Solvay, Inc.


The Kroger Company


Pacific Gas and Electric Company


Texas Oil & Gas Association


Orsted


Constellation Energy


Freepoint Eco-Systems


Teck Metals Ltd.


Merichem Company


Teck American Incorporated


American Coke and Coal Chemicals Institute


Work highlights


  • Assisted in the drafting, development, and submission of regulatory comments from the Texas Oil & Gas Association in response to the Texas Railroad Commission’s proposed amendments to 16 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 5. This work supports the establishment of a state regulatory framework to support the furtherance of carbon capture, utilization, and storage development in Texas.
  • Assisting Orsted, the world’s largest offshore wind developer, in its efforts to secure the necessary permits and perform the requisite modelling to construct an offshore wind farm, called “Ocean Wind” off the coast of New Jersey.

Squire Patton Boggs

Under the leadership of Denver’s Peter Gould, the team at Squire Patton Boggs represents a diverse clientele, with particular strength in the mining, chemical manufacturing, energy and infrastructure spaces. In Cleveland, Allen Kacenjar assists clients with compliance issues, identifying environmental risks and implementing strategies to mitigate them, while Denver’s Carolyn McIntosh counsels clients on environmental compliance, regularly assisting companies with the regulatory landscape surrounding land use and renewables projects.

Practice head(s):

Peter Gould


Other key lawyers:

Allen Kacenjar; Carolyn McIntosh; Douglas McWilliams


Troutman Pepper

With deep expertise in the utilities space, the environmental group at Troutman Pepper attracts a spread of clients from across the energy sector, advising on energy transition projects, including EV charging and lithium production, in addition to issues related to the Clean Water Act. Andrea Worzel  in Richmond deals with water rights and supply issues, as well as advising on endangered species issues, waste permitting and environmental compliance, while Atlanta’s Mack McGuffey is recommended for his work falling under the Clean Air Act.

Practice head(s):

Andrea Wortzel


Other key lawyers:

Mack McGuffey; Shawn O’Brien


Key clients

Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Operating Companies


Corporate Environmental Enforcement Council (CEEC)


Delta Airlines, Inc


VEOLIA North America


Virginia Manufacturers Association and AdvanSix


Chaberton Energy Holdings


DeKalb County, GA


Wiley Rein LLP

Headquartered in Washington DC, the environmental team at Wiley Rein LLP offers up ‘specialist knowledge’ to its clientele, assisting with a spread of issues related to pesticides, endangered species and land use law. The group is led by Tracy Heinzman , who is a key point of contact for pesticides and chemicals manufacturers seeking aid with environmental policy and compliance issues, Martha Marrapese who is well versed in handling matters under the Toxic Substances Control Act for industrial and engineering clients, in addition to Jennifer Giblin, who brings with her expertise dealing with waste management issues, transportation of hazardous waste and regulation of PFAS.

Practice head(s):

Tracy Heinzman


Other key lawyers:

Martha Marrapese; David Weinberg


Testimonials

‘Specialist knowledge offered by Wiley Rein subject leads compliment industry particpants strengths. Wiley Rein is able to pull in and leverage in-house expertise to assist on non-traditional subject matter/issues as they arise.’

‘Tenure, specialized knowledge, excellent people skills to manage diverse views. Can-do attitude.’

‘My contacts at Wiley are customer oriented, easy to work with.’

Key clients

Emerson Electric Co.


Battery Council International (BCI)


Oxitec Ltd.


Buzz Products, Abbotsford, AUS


Plastics – Revolution, APR, Crown Poly, AM Testing


Gopher Resource LLC (Gopher) & EnviroFocus Technologies LLC


CropLife America


Danimer Scientific LLC


Essential Minerals


Lithium Ion Battery Manufacturer Coalition


PRBA – The Rechargeable Battery Association


AMVAC Chemical Corporation


Work highlights


  • Representing CropLife for a decade as an intervenor in litigation matters of vital importance to the association’s members, who are essentially all of the nation’s providers of agricultural pesticides.
  • Representing AMVAC in connection with a Notice of Intent to Suspend (NOITS) issued by EPA in April of 2022 targeting AMVAC’s EPA registration of a pesticide (DCPA) that is critical to growers of onions, bok choy, brassica (certain leafy greens), and other crops.
  • Serving as environmental counsel to the company as it has grown to be the preeminent producer of high purity polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) world-wide.

WilmerHale

Under the dual leadership of San Francisco’s Peggy Otum and the newly appointed Tommy Beaudreau, in Washington DC, the energy, environment and natural resources team at WilmerHale aids clients from within the tech, agribusiness, manufacturing and consumer goods with the gamut of regulatory compliance and litigation. Otum is known for her coverage of ESG work and crisis management practice, while Beaudreau’s wide practice spans from permitting for infrastructure and renewables projects right through crisis management and response.

Practice head(s):

Peggy Otum; Tommy Beaudreau


Other key lawyers:

Davina Pujari; Christopher Rheinheimer


Testimonials

‘There is great depth to their practice team. They are called on to address only the most challenging of problems.’

‘Peggy Otum is supeb. Calm under pressure, thoughtful, and possesses a solution oriented approach to problem solving.’

‘People are conscientious and knowledgeable.’

‘A thoughtful approach to regulator and insurance carrier negotiations. ’

Key clients

Norfolk Southern


Tetra Tech


Greenfield Exports


Avient


RPS Group