Partner
CurrentMy practice focuses on design, execution, and defense of strategies to secure first-of-a-kind and other complex decisions from federal agencies on energy infrastructure, public lands, protected species, and historic and cultural resources. When challenged, I defend those decisions in federal litigation. It is a transactional practice in the sense that the transactions are hard decisions by federal policy makers and lawyers on complex matters. My practice shifts to litigation when agency approvals are challenged in federal court. Much of my work today involves electric transmission projects--vital infrastructure for the energy transition that nevertheless often draws aggressive opposition.I regularly represent developers of energy projects in efforts to gain and defend federal permits to cross federal lands. Much of my work involves negotiating mitigation agreements with public- and private-sector stakeholders, including climate change-related measures. I counselled the leading international developer of floating wind technology, and supported all aspects of their business in the US. I advised industry-leading mining interests on sage-grouse conservation strategy and private developers of conservation banks. I advise electric grid and generation operators on migratory bird and endangered species issues. I served as hydropower licensing counsel to the Nation's largest public utility, secured the nation's first federal hydrokinetic power license (Makah Bay), and represented stakeholders in many hydropower regulatory proceedings. I counsel Indian tribes on water and natural resources. I am often involved with FAA and ACHP regulatory compliance challenges. When needed, I lobby as part of comprehensive advocacy efforts, and help design public communications campaigns. I mentor younger lawyers and try to honor the better traditions of the legal profession.
