About

Provided by Vinson & Elkins LLP

Vinson & Elkins’ Environmental & Natural Resources (ENR) group has established a strong reputation for securing and then defending key permits for development projects, including contested air, water and wetlands permits for pipelines, power plants and other industrial establishments, water supply and wastewater discharge permits, and critically important approvals for multi-state projects involving National Environment Policy Act (NEPA) reviews, contaminated sites and federal lands, including pipelines and power transmission lines, and natural resource matters including endangered species. Because our lawyers are quite knowledgeable about our clients’ businesses and their industries, the group has a top reputation in providing advice on structuring transactions to minimize or reduce environmental risks.


The firm’s ENR lawyers have a demonstrated track record of success in assisting clients with complex matters that involve multiple stakeholders including federal and state governments, Congressional committees, investigative boards, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private parties. Our ability to guide clients in developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy focused around achieving their business objectives, minimizing and mitigating risks, and developing and implementing a public relations strategy for these types of complex matters is a hallmark of the firm’s ENR practice. 

www.velaw.com

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Environment: Mainly Transactional - District of Columbia

3
Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Vinson & Elkins provides expert counsel for clients such as manufacturers, trade associations and energy companies on environmental disputes, including toxic torts and contamination matters. The firm is known for overseeing permitting and the full suite of compliance matters for large-scale infrastructure projects, such as pipeline and power transmission projects. The team also advises on climate change regulations and risk management.

Work Highlights

  • Vinson & Elkins represented American Waterworks Association in filing a petition for review of the EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulation in connection to six PFAS substances.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Ronald J Tenpas
1
Ronald J Tenpas
1
Band 1

Ronald Tenpas is a seasoned trial lawyer, well known for handling civil and criminal environmental defense work. He frequently represents trade associations in regulatory challenges.

Ronald is knowledgeable and practical in his approach.

Ronald is fantastic. He is just an excellent lawyer.

He is terrific. He is proactive and careful.

Ronald is very determined and confident.

Michael B Wigmore
4
Michael B Wigmore
4
Band 4
Michael Wigmore is recommended for his experience in environmental matters pertaining to the natural resources sector. He regularly appears before a host of regulatory bodies.
Patrick D Traylor
5
Patrick D Traylor
5
Band 5
Patrick Traylor has notable experience representing clients in environmental enforcement cases. He is particularly well versed in CAA matters.

Patrick is wonderful, supportive and knowledgeable. He is technical and strategic.

He is an extraordinary lawyer, he knows what he's talking about.

He is fantastic.

Ranked Lawyers at
Vinson & Elkins LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

District of Columbia

Environment

Ronald J Tenpas
1
Ronald J Tenpas
1
Band 1
Michael B Wigmore
4
Michael B Wigmore
4
Band 4
Patrick D Traylor
5
Patrick D Traylor
5
Band 5

Members

Provided by Vinson & Elkins LLP