Troutman Pepper Locke LLP, Environment

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 through their environmental concerns.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Environment - Virginia

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 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.

On 1st January 2025, Troutman Pepper and Locke Lord merged to form Troutman Pepper Locke LLP.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Troutman Pepper Locke LLP

The firm advised Berkshire Hathaway Energy on multiple aspects of environmental compliance, assisting the company with its species protection, Clean Water Act and RCRA coal ash-related permits.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

"I have asked the team more than once for resources on non-routine issues, and they always deliver."

Environment respondent
USA

"They are quick and very responsive; their work quality is top notch and they give understandable advice. I trust them greatly."

Environment respondent
USA

"Once we find a law firm and attorneys who are responsive, cost-efficient, smart and practical, there is no need to look elsewhere. They are one of the best I've dealt with."

Environment respondent
USA

"The issues in our industry can be very complex, but their extensive knowledge of environmental law and policies has been extremely beneficial to us."

Environment respondent
USA

"I have asked the team more than once for resources on non-routine issues, and they always deliver."

Environment respondent
USA

"They are quick and very responsive; their work quality is top notch and they give understandable advice. I trust them greatly."

Environment respondent
USA

"Once we find a law firm and attorneys who are responsive, cost-efficient, smart and practical, there is no need to look elsewhere. They are one of the best I've dealt with."

Environment respondent
USA

"The issues in our industry can be very complex, but their extensive knowledge of environmental law and policies has been extremely beneficial to us."

Environment respondent
USA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Andrea W Wortzel

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 and waste management matters.

"Andrea is top notch."

"She is really fantastic. She is tremendously skilled in the field of environmental law and exceptionally good at working with regulators; she is very effective at getting permitting challenges resolved."

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Brooks M Smith

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 communicates clearly, manages expectations, challenges assumptions, and provides relevant guidance."

"He is very knowledgeable and very responsive."

"Brooks is simply the best."

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Shannon Varner

Band 2

Shannon Varner advises clients on a range of issues, including permitting and regulatory compliance, brownfield redevelopment and voluntary remediation programs.

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