Environmental

Duane Morris environmental attorneys represent clients in a diverse array of environmental matters, including environmental litigation and mass torts, regulatory compliance and enforcement proceedings, emergency response matters, site investigation and remediation, cost allocation disputes, real estate development and related environmental review, transactions with environmental concerns and sustainability-related matters.

Our team has been involved in multibillion-dollar transactions and litigated complex cases before federal and state courts and administrative agencies. Our strategic approach to each matter is always formulated with our client's business goals in mind.

Duane Morris attorneys bring deep experience from prior roles in federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and local environmental bodies, as well as in-house corporate positions.

Range of Services

Environmental Litigation and Mass Torts

Our lawyers have a wealth of experience in defending multiparty environmental litigation matters and toxic torts as well as internal investigations, congressional hearings and criminal jury proceedings. We defend clients in litigation matters in federal and state court throughout the country, through trial and on appeal.

• Complex Multiparty Litigation including Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Clean Water Act (CWA) and State Environmental Cleanup Statutes.
• Climate Change Litigation
• Toxic Torts and Public Nuisance Litigation
• Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Litigation
• Ethylene Oxide Litigation

Hazardous Substances Remediation

Our attorneys regularly advise clients on site investigation and remediation matters, including property owners, prospective buyers and investors. We regularly work in multiple jurisdictions and are familiar with regulations and incentive programs, including brownfields programs, across the country. Our team has extensive experience engaging with federal, state and local regulatory agencies, and we have built strong working relationships that help us achieve practical and efficient solutions for our clients.

• Environmental Appeals, Response Management, and Enforcement and Internal Investigations
• Brownfields
• Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
• Environmental Permitting and Appeals
• Compliance Management
• Contaminated Sites (Air/Water/Soil) and Natural Resource Damages
• Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Transactional and Regulatory Compliance Counsel

Nearly every transaction and business or manufacturing operation has an environmental component. On the transactional side, our attorneys are experienced at resolving complex issues to allow deals to be made. Once those deals are made, Duane Morris provides ongoing support to ensure operations remain in compliance with complex regulatory requirements and to assist companies with alleged violations. We work efficiently but thoroughly to identify environmental issues and to formulate creative solutions that advance our clients’ interests.

• Real Estate/M&A Transactions, including Due Diligence
• Regulatory Advocacy/Negotiation and Counseling
• Economic Analysis
• Managing Water Rights for Municipalities
• Hydroelectric Relicensing
• Environmental Permitting and Appeals
• Regulatory Enforcement Defense

Real Estate Development and Environmental Impact Review

From site selection to final approvals, we help developers and investors navigate environmental laws and move projects forward. Many jurisdictions require intensive environmental review of new projects before approvals can be issued, and we have a wealth of experience in guiding clients through these processes efficiently, especially in the currently evolving regulatory landscape.

• Real Estate/M&A Transactions, including Due Diligence
• Permitting and Project Approvals
• Negotiating and Contracting with Private and Governmental Water Agencies

Sustainability and Energy Transition

The market for sustainable energy development continues to grow, and businesses around the world continue to seek out cost-effective ways of minimizing their impact on the planet and increasing their profitability. Our attorneys are ready to advise clients as they continue this journey, regardless of where they are on the path to sustainability.

• Renewable Energy Development
• Cleantech
• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
• Grid Modernization
• Biofuels and Emerging Energy Businesses

Emergency Response

Duane Morris offers emergency management and response services and has extensive experience representing companies in preparing for and addressing catastrophic and emergency situations. Duane Morris has an established team of experienced practitioners that stand ready to assist and offers an around-the-clock, on-site team of lawyers and other professionals to address issues in real time.

• Catastrophic Incident Management
• Evidence Preservations and Site Control
• Internal Investigations and
• Liability Response
• Stakeholder Communications and Reputational Protection

Our Clients

Our clients have chosen Duane Morris because of our deep experience and background in all areas of environmental law. Our clients are from a number of sectors, including:

Our Team

Our Environmental lawyers often work closely with other members of Duane Morris' Energy Team, as well as with members of the firm’s practices dedicated to Trial, Finance, Real Estate, Construction, Insurance,Tax, and Business Reorganization and Financial Restructuring, to assist our clients in solving problems. In addition, our lawyers frequently coordinate their work with that of our clients’ government and public relations advisors, including our affiliate, Duane Morris Government Strategies.

For More Information

For more information, please contact Rosemarie DaSilva, Joseph T. Walsh, Lindsay Ann Brown, Alicyn Craig, David Amerikaner or any of the practice members referenced in the Attorney Listing.