Ireland Stapleton's Environmental, Energy and Natural Resources group serves clients in environmental, oil and gas, renewable energy, and energy transmission matters. Our attorneys have represented real estate developers, industrial companies, and nonprofit groups on a range of environmental matters, such as remediation and redevelopment of environmentally impacted properties, permitting pursuant to the Clean Water Act, and environmental compliance with numerous federal and state environmental regulations. Furthermore, Ireland Stapleton has long represented clients in a wide range of matters affecting energy development and distribution. From the traditional oil and gas industry to the rapidly expanding renewable energy field, we assist clients in navigating complex and constantly evolving regulatory schemes governing development and distribution, transmission corridors, corporate compliance and sustainability, and land use issues. Our fields of expertise include:
Ireland Stapleton's environmental law attorneys have represented real estate developers and landowners, industrial companies, and nonprofit groups on a range of environmental and regulatory matters, including remediation and redevelopment of "Superfund" and "Brownfield" properties pursuant to CERCLA and state voluntary clean-up programs; NPDES and Section 404 permitting pursuant to the Clean Water Act (CWA); and compliance with a variety of environmental and regulatory requirements related to NEPA, RCRA, the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the Clean Air Act (CAA), asbestos issues, and numerous state and local regulations. Furthermore, we have assisted our clients and their in-house counsel in assessing potential environmental liabilities, litigation risks, insurance options, and potential transaction costs associated with the clients' internal financial, auditing and disclosure requirements. Below you will find examples of some of our client representation:
Our natural resources attorneys have a particular expertise in oil and gas work. Our attorneys negotiate, draft and review the contracts and documents necessary to acquire, explore, develop, operate and finance oil and gas operations. We also have a sound understanding of the complexities involved in royalty payments and fractional interests. Our attorneys are on the front lines in dealing with the difficult water use and disposal issues which accompany coalbed methane development. We advise clients on the environmental and public lands issues that permeate this area of law, and help our clients address split estate and surface access issues. At Ireland Stapleton, our attorneys believe in working with each client to address that client's particular set of needs, which necessitates an understanding of all areas of law in the oil and gas arena, including:
In addition to traditional energy clients, the attorneys at Ireland Stapleton also represent companies developing alternative energy sources. Our experience in this area of law provides value to those just starting out in the renewable energy field, as well as those who have pioneered the industry. We are well positioned to assist our clients with project finance or other debt or equity transactions to fund their business needs. We also work with our clients to maximize federal and state funding for their renewable energy projects through the recent federal stimulus plan.
Transmission affects all sectors of energy development and operations. For the oil and gas industry, this often means pipelines. We help our clients ensure that the oil and gas they produce has access to markets. We have also represented landowners with properties actually or proposed to be encumbered by pipelines and electric transmission facilities. Ireland Stapleton's attorneys have experience with the legal issues surrounding the siting and construction of transmission lines, including dealings with federal financing, environmental approvals, franchise agreements, county and state regulatory authorities, and the application of eminent domain.
Contact us today to learn more about how our Environmental Law team can help you, manage and protect your business.
