Jacob Santini

Experience

Successfully Represented Rio Tinto In Clean Air Lawsuit

Parsons Behle & Latimer attorneys successfully represented Rio Tinto Kennecott in a significant clean air lawsuit argued before a federal judge of the United States District Court, in Utah. On June 8, 2016, the ruling sided with Parsons’ arguments in support of Kennecott.

A coalition of environmental groups filed a citizen suit against Kennecott under the Clean Air Act seeking to significantly limit mining activity at Utah’s Bingham Canyon Mine.

The team, led by Michael A. Zody, successfully argued the cross motions for summary judgment in court. Senior litigation attorney Michael L. Larsen and environmental attorneys Michael A. Tomko and Jacob A. Santini, laid out key factual and legal arguments before the court. Federal Judge Robert Shelby determined that the State of Utah had granted Kennecott the necessary permits each time it planned to increase mine production and did not violate any laws.

Andeavor SLC Refinery

Lead litigation counsel in successfully defending CAA permit appeal in an administrative hearing and on appeal to the Utah Supreme Court.

Energy Fuels Resources (USA) Inc.

Lead litigation counsel in obtaining summary judgment dismissing all claims alleging CAA NESHAP violations.

Practice Areas

A significant portion of Jacob’s practice focuses on air quality matters for mining and industrial clients. Jacob represents clients in permit applications and appeals, administrative and judicial environmental enforcement proceedings, and the development of regulations and guidance under the Clean Air Act by federal and state agencies. Jacob currently serves as a co-chair of the Utah Manufacturers Association’s Air Quality Committee and is a past chair of the American Bar Association’s Air Quality Committee.

Additionally, Jacob’s expertise in administrative law and state agencies has led him to become a leader in environmental due diligence that arise in mergers and acquisitions. Jacob’s extensive experience with working with state and federal agencies is an asset to clients that aim to efficiently navigate transactions that involve environmental permits issued by multiple agencies and mandatory financial assurances covering ongoing operations.

Another substantial component of Jacob’s practice involves environmental litigation. Jacob has defended clients in significant citizen suits, enforcement actions brought by state and federal agencies, administrative and judicial challenges to permits, and federal challenges to rulemakings issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Expert in these Jurisdictions

Utah

U.S. Dist. Court, Dist. of Utah

U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit

Education

Awards