About

Provided by Troutman Pepper Locke LLP

Science, innovation, and litigation continue to outpace the laws and regulations affecting natural resources and environmental protection, presenting challenges across all regulated sectors. At the same time, divergent federal, state, and local laws create an uneven, increasingly complex, and rapidly changing regulatory landscape. Our team guides clients through the growing disconnect between these legal and business realities.

We offer comprehensive regulatory, policy, transactional, and litigation support to clients at the forefront of natural resources, environmental, and energy law. We deliver leading-edge advice regarding major project and infrastructure development, internal governance, auditing and assurance, enforcement defense, regulatory compliance and advocacy, complex transactions, and bet-the-company litigation. We handle bellwether proceedings across the U.S. involving major infrastructure initiatives, energy transition and fleet/grid modernization, carbon capture, e-mobility and electric vehicles, critical minerals, endangered species, NEPA compliance, permitting, federal lands, EPA and DOI rulemakings, DOE grants, PFAS regulations and litigation, and ESG strategies.

From market leaders to new entrants, we provide time-tested insights into the risks and challenges associated with environmental issues and regularly serve major public and private companies, utilities, developers, investors, local governments, and others across numerous sectors.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Environment - Virginia

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP has a well-respected environment practice, renowned for its strength in water matters. It routinely handles site development and environmental litigation, as well as conducting environmental due diligence on business transactions. The team has further experience with mandates related to ash compliance, mining regulations and site contamination. The department acts for a diverse range of clients, including major energy and water companies, trade associations and municipalities. It is also noted for its strength in state and federal regulatory matters, offering clients the benefits of its attorneys' strong links with the relevant bodies. The firm's strength in Virginia is supplemented by a strong national presence and environmental law department.

Work Highlights

  • The firm acted for Dominion Energy on energy infrastructure permits, compliance enforcement, solar project development and regulatory proceedings, most recently defending the company against a Clean Water Act citizen suit in federal district court.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Andrea W Wortzel
1
Andrea W Wortzel
1
Band 1

Andrea Wortzel has a highly regarded environmental practice that sees her handling water-related issues such as permitting and supply planning, as well as advising clients on landfill, infrastructure and waste management matters. She also assists clients with water regulatory compliance and contamination matters.

Andrea is incredible. We are fortunate to have her working with us.

Brooks M Smith
1
Brooks M Smith
1
Band 1
Brooks Smith is particularly well known in the field of water law. He represents clients such as water treatment facilities, public sector organizations and coal companies in litigation and enforcement actions, as well as advising them on permitting and compliance issues.

Brooks has been a key resource for me on environmental matters. When I need a view, he's the person I call. I very much trust his judgment; he's an expert in his area.

Shannon Varner
2
Shannon Varner
2
Band 2

Shannon Varner advises clients on a range of issues, including permitting and regulatory compliance, brownfield redevelopment and voluntary remediation programs. He has experience with water matters and solar projects.

Shannon is a very valuable resource for our company.

He is very prominent, with lots of of local and regional work in Virginia.

Andrew Flavin
U
Andrew Flavin
U
Up and Coming

Andrew Flavin is a well-regarded environmental practitioner, earning praise for his skills in regulatory and administrative litigation. He has notable experience with electrical infrastructure and solar projects.

Andrew provided stellar service in getting us the objective we desired.

Ranked Lawyers at
Troutman Pepper Locke LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Virginia

Environment

Andrea W Wortzel
1
Andrea W Wortzel
1
Band 1
Brooks M Smith
1
Brooks M Smith
1
Band 1
Shannon Varner
2
Shannon Varner
2
Band 2
Andrew Flavin
U
Andrew Flavin
U
Up and Coming

Members

Provided by Troutman Pepper Locke LLP