Department profile
Environment
USA Guide 2026 : District of Columbia
Rankings
Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
About
Provided by Bracewell LLP
Bracewell has one of the largest and most highly respected environmental practices in the United States. Our team combines legal and policy depth with knowledge in media relations and lobbying, all focused on energy, environmental and natural resources issues faced by companies across the United States. This comprehensive and holistic approach enables us to advise clients facing severe challenges that arise simultaneously in litigation, legislative debates, agency actions and public discourse.
We provide a uniquely informed perspective based on decades of experience working at the forefront of issues facing companies in the oil and gas, refining, power generation and transmission, chemical, manufacturing, technology, mining and construction sectors.
Clients turn to us for advice and guidance on policy matters at the top of the national agenda, including:
- offshore wind development
- renewable fuels standards
- regulation of greenhouse gases
- carbon capture utilization and sequestration (CCUS)
- Clean Water Act, Section 401 reform
- Infrastructure development
- NSR reform
- renewable energy policies
- hydrogen development
- onshore and offshore royalty disputes
- oil and gas leasing and decommissioning
- Chemical Safety Board reform
- NEPA reform
We handle regulatory matters for energy and energy-related companies before a myriad of federal agencies.
Chambers Review
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Work Highlights
Provided by Chambers
Bracewell defended Denka Performance Elastomer against allegations, brought by the EPA, that emissions from the company's facility endangered the local community.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
Bracewell does a fantastic job of accessing the breadth of the firm and has specialists in all different areas. The firm has been terrific in its ability to support us in a number of issues.
Environment respondentUSAThe responsiveness of the team is at as high a level as we have experienced.
Environment respondentUSAThe context of its advice always moves us forward from a commercial basis, putting issues in perspectives that allow business decisions to be made.
Environment respondentUSABracewell's vast expertise provides the perfect blend of legal representation and business decision making.
Environment respondentUSAIts attorneys have a profound understanding of regulatory frameworks and government operations.
Environment respondentUSA
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 1 
Band 1 Jeffrey R Holmstead
Jeffrey Holmstead has a nationally recognized environmental law and climate change practice with notable expertise in the CAA. Jeff is the preeminent environmental legal professional. He's royalty.
Environment respondentUSAJeffrey Holmstead is the best clean air act lawyer I've encountered, he has great experience and understands how things work at the EPA.
Environment respondentUSAJeff provides expert guidance and value due to his extensive experience.
Environment respondentUSA
Band 3 
Band 3 Jason Hutt
Jason Hutt leads Bracewell’s environment, lands and resources practice. He counsels clients on matters pertaining to wetlands, air and wastewater regulations and is further noted for his catastrophe response work. Jason is the best attorney I've ever worked with. He provides thoughtful, thorough counsel.
Environment respondentUSAJason is one of the smartest people I know and is a very innovative thinker.
Environment respondentUSA
Band 3 
Band 3 Kevin Ewing
Kevin Ewing advises developers on environmental and siting issues for midstream, upstream and offshore energy projects. Kevin is a thinker on a different level. He brings unexpected thoughts to an issue that is always helpful.
Environment respondentUSAKevin gives great advice to clients due to his thorough understanding of environmental policy.
Environment respondentUSA
Band 4 
Band 4 Ann D. Navaro
Ann Navaro is recognized for her extensive experience assisting developers and companies in the upstream, pipeline, renewables, power transmission and LNG sectors with regulatory issues. Ann spent more than ten years as a trial lawyer in the Environment and Natural Resources Division at the US DOJ before joining the Washington, DC office of Bracewell. Ann Navaro has deep knowledge and I really appreciate how she is commercial and creative.
Environment respondentUSAAnn provides spot-on input and guidance on complex regulatory topics.
Environment respondentUSA
Band 6 
Band 6 Brittany M Pemberton
Brittany Pemberton is an environemntal attorney who has particular experience in on matters that relate to enforcement, strategic planning and compliance. She has worked with clients in industries such as oil and gas and waste disposal.
Brittany Pemberton is exceptional in her communication, expertise and judgement.
Environment respondentUSABrittany is so smart, she is very academic and does her homework very thoroughly. She is an extraordinarily sharp administrative lawyer.
Environment respondentUSA
Ranked Individuals at Bracewell LLP (5)
District of Columbia
Jeffrey R Holmstead
Environment
View profile Jason Hutt
Environment
View profile Kevin Ewing
Environment
View profile Ann D. Navaro
Environment
View profile Brittany M Pemberton
Environment
View profile
Members
Provided by Bracewell LLP
Jeffrey R Holmstead
View profile of Jeffrey R HolmsteadKevin Ewing
View profile of Kevin EwingJason Hutt
View profile of Jason HuttAnn D. Navaro
View profile of Ann D. NavaroBrittany M Pemberton
View profile of Brittany M Pemberton
Bracewell LLP has rankings in the following guides
Band 2
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