Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP stands out for its expert knowledge across environmental areas, including air, natural resources, and climate change, among others. The practice maintains a diverse portfolio, including environmental permitting and enforcement actions, supported by a team of attorneys with experience from the EPA, DOT, and FERC. Washington DC-Based Deidre Duncan spearheads the practice, bringing considerable expertise in water and natural resource compliance and permitting, including Clean Water Act authorizations. Working alongside Duncan in the DC office are Kerry McGrath, whose broad knowledge of environmental statutes has positioned her as a key advisor on regulatory proceedings; Chuck Knauss, whose practice sits at the intersection of environmental and energy issues; and Andrew Turner, a leading name in Endangered Species Act matters. Alexandra Hamilton and Brian Levey add further weight to the DC office, with the former an expert in supply chain issues and the latter assisting clients on federal permit matters for development projects. The firm has a strong presence in San Francisco, with the office comprising Samuel Brown, who chiefly focuses on the development and implementation of corporate climate change-related strategies, Shannon Broome, an expert on climate and the Clean Air Act, and Clare Ellis, an active advisor on compliance with the California Air Resources Board emission standards.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®

Key clients

  • Marathon Petroleum Corporation
  • Turn 14 Distribution
  • Texas Oil and Gas Association
  • Highly Innovative Fuels

Work highlights

Successfully acted for Highly Innovative Fuels, achieving the first-ever e-fuels pathway issued under the California Low Carbon Fuels Standard (LCFS) program.
Resolved two enforcement actions against Turn 14 Distribution, an aftermarket auto parts distributor, one by US EPA and DOJ, resolved in January 2025, and the other by CARB through the California Department of Justice, resolved in February 2025.
Acted on lawsuit on behalf of the Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA) against the Biden administration’s revised methane emission regulations. These efforts led to EPA’s reconsideration of key regulatory aspects, with the anticipated revisions likely to create a more uniform regulatory environment conducive to industry compliance.

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Leading associates

Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

Deidre Duncan

Other key lawyers

Kerry McGrath; Chuck Knauss; Andrew Turner; Alexandra Hamilton; Brian Levey; Samuel Brown; Shannon Broome; Clare Ellis; Carter Clements; Nate Menard