King & Spalding LLP has an active environmental law practice, specializing in high-stakes enforcement cases. With a team of former EPA and state enforcement officials, alongside technical experts, it handles complex litigation involving toxic chemicals, climate change, and mobile source emissions. Known for its work on landmark Clean Air Act cases, including the Volkswagen emissions scandal, the firm also excels in managing industrial accidents, providing swift legal support in chemical spills, explosions, and safety protocols, with vastly experience environmental practitioner Granta Nakayama a key name. Ilana Saltzbart co-heads the team, focusing on environmental health & safety issues, advising on enforcement, renewable fuels, and new regulations. Tracie Renfroe , head of the firm’s product liability team in Houston, is an expert in defending energy and industrial clients in environmental and toxic tort cases, with deep expertise in groundwater contamination, international arbitration, and climate change litigation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'The firm has a very deep bench of first chair litigators who understand this practice and have extensive industry experience. The Houston office houses one of the strongest disputes practices in Texas with loads of experience in environmental and energy litigation and arbitration.’
Key clients
- New Jersey Governor's Office
- Volkswagen AG
- Chevron
- Phillips 66
- Baker Hughes
- Dow Chemical Company
- BASF Corporation
- Stellantis (Formerly FCA US LLC and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV) and various subsidiaries
- International Paper Co.
- The Renco Group
Work highlights
Representing Neste before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in a challenge to EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Program.
Advising The Scotts Company, LLC (Scotts) in connection with a dispute between Scotts’ Fort Madison, IA packaging facility and the local publicly-owned treatment works (“POTW”) over Toxic Release Inventory reporting pursuant to the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act and related wastewater management practices.
Advising the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District in a generational struggle to require the LA Department of Water and Power to control pollution from Owens Lake, including representing the District in four separate lawsuits to end LADWP’s continued resistance to implementing necessary pollution controls, constitutingone of the largest air pollution cases in California.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Ilana Saltzbart; Tracie Renfroe
Other key lawyers
Granta Nakayama