Michael Weller Email & Phone Number

Houston, Texas, Us

Houston, Texas, Us

Senior Counsel focused on environmental, health and safety matters as well as Corporate Sustainability and ESG for leading US LNG exporter. Portfolio includes a wide spectrum of environmental, personal and process safety-related matters, including compliance with Federal and State regulatory programs, enforcement, policy and government relations.Provide counsel to the Company's Climate and Sustainability Group on a range of matters, including the launch of an inaugural corporate sustainability report, reporting per the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), engagement with independent ESG and corporate governance research and ratings providers, such as Sustainalytics, MSCI, and S&P, and the Equator Principles.

Houston, Tx, Us

I advised and counseled clients in the context of complex business acquisitions and divestitures, regulatory compliance, new legislative and regulatory initiatives, enforcement actions, litigation, and permitting. I represented clients in the energy sector (both conventional and renewable), as well as industry trade associations, manufacturers, importers and financial institutions in a wide range of corporate and environmental law matters. I also assisted clients in understanding regulatory and legislative developments affecting drones / unmanned aircraft systems.Recently, I have assisted clients involved in the production of oil and natural gas from shale plays in negotiating with federal policy makers on issues of national concern, such as EPA’s recent hydraulic fracturing study, as well as during enforcement matters. I advise and advocate for clients in the face of new regulatory initiatives undertaken by the EPA, the Department of Interior, the Bureau of Land Management, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (including regulation of drones or unmanned aircraft systems or UAS), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). I also have extensive experience representing clients during government investigations, including preparing employees for their meetings with the government and in developing strategies for successful resolution. I have advised corporations on how to comply with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requirements governing disclosure of environmental liabilities. Additionally, I have counseled clients, including both conventional and renewable energy companies, during complex business transactions, including negotiating and drafting agreements and assessing and managing risk.-Member of DC Office Recruiting Committee

I researched and drafted memoranda for partners and associates on energy and environmental topics pertinent to advising current clients. Additionally, I conducted due diligence reviews for corporate transactions, such as securities offerings and debt transactions.

Baltimore, Maryland, Us

I participated in the M&S summer associate program, working in the corporate and litigation practices. Among other things, I researched and drafted memoranda on topics such as the US False Claims Act, general business formation matters, and issues under CERCLA/RCRA. I also drafted various federal court filings for corporate litigation matters. (Offer Extended)

In the environmental consulting context, I advised clients regarding compliance with the Clean Water Act, mitigation opportunities, and local land use related regulations. I worked directly with clients in an effort to steer their projects through the regulatory process, and I evaluated commercial and residential development plans, drafted permits, and negotiated with county, state, and federal regulatory agency personnel.I developed a deep understanding of the practical implementation of the Clean Water Act (CWA) in the context of project development and prepared CWA 404 permit applications; developed wetland and stream mitigation plans; advised in the context of permit compliance; and negotiated with federal and state regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and & Wildlife Service, and EPA.

Irvine, California, Us

I managed the environmental components of various projects for developers, government clients, and non-profits while working for a leading environmental consulting firm with nine offices and 250 employees. I was the lead project manager on several projects for clients such as the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the Irvine Company and The Nature Conservancy.I often worked directly with clients, researched regulations, drafted memoranda, and advised clients on issues related to the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, mitigation measures, Habitat Conservation Plans, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). I worked on projects, including federal highway construction, mixed-use developments, master-planned communities, and mitigation/conservation transactions. I ushered many of these projects through the permitting process, from initial planning to agency negotiation and compliance tracking.A key accomplishment of mine during this time includes the design of a regulatory compliance tracking program as part of a $4 million project for one of the country's largest water districts.

Brampton, Ontario, Ca

I worked as a satellite imagery analyst, assisting in production of the world’s first medium resolution land-cover database for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). I supervised a team of five analysts on a strict production schedule, developed new standard operating procedures, participated in quality control, delegated tasks, and trained new analysts.

I collected field data and drafted Phase I and II environmental site assessments to assist clients in documenting due diligence. I also worked on property condition assessments, indoor air quality investigations, and industrial hygiene projects. I was responsible for managing a large industrial hygiene contract for all public schools situated in several counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Doctor Of Law - Jd, Law

Bs, Biology; Geography & Environmental Planning