Environmental & Energy

Navigating complex environmental and energy laws, driving sustainable solutions

​​As the world’s energy needs continue to grow, innovation and exploration are providing exciting alternatives to traditional resources. At the same time, we are all charged with protecting our shared planet and the environments we live in and near. The legal, regulatory, intellectual property (IP), and business issues faced by today’s legacy energy providers—and innovators alike—is varied and significant.

At Shumaker, our cross-disciplinary practice can point to proven results for all types of clients and constituent groups working to provide for tomorrow’s energy needs, while stewarding the environment.

Deep experience in Environmental Law:

• Brownfield redevelopment
• California Proposition 65 compliance and enforcement
• Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)/superfund proceedings
• Clean Air Act enforcement, compliance, and permitting
• Clean Water Act (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and wetlands) enforcement, compliance, and permitting
• Defense of governmental enforcement proceedings, citizen suits, and class actions
• Environmental compliance audits
• Environmental due diligence in business and real estate transactions
• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and hazardous waste enforcement, compliance, and permitting
• Representation in governmental and private party disputes, including indemnification coverage
• Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) compliance

Long-running Energy experience:

• Electric power plant permitting
• Licensing with state and local environmental regulators for utilities and co-generators
• Construction and operation of coal- and gas-fired generating stations and transmission lines
• Microgrid land use and developer agreements with homebuilders
• Renewable natural gas construction, purchase agreements, and land leases
• Renewable permitting
• Investigation and remediation of former manufactured gas plant sites
• Solar energy land purchase, long-term leasing, and due diligence
• Site acquisition, title, land use and zoning, environmental, and entitlement review and analysis
• Solar power purchase agreements
• Defense of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) citations and employee complaints
• General compliance
• Standards interpretation