Most businesses in the United States are subject to a complex web of federal and state environmental laws. Cozen O’Connor is a leading adviser on the application and interpretation of those laws.
The Environmental Regulatory & Due Diligence team is well versed in all major federal and state environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, CERCLA and SARA, Endangered Species Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Toxic Substances Control Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act. It also includes attorneys with detailed knowledge of regulatory sub-areas, including New Source Review, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, Outer-Continental Shelf Air Regulations, and the Solid Waste Disposal Act.
Cozen O’Connor’s ability to help clients interpret and comply with these statutes is greatly enhanced by having former environmental regulators in our ranks, a number of whom were involved in writing current provisions. The team is led by the former Special Assistant to the EPA’s Director of Civil Enforcement who helped draft regulations implementing amendments to the Clean Air Act. It also includes the former Regional Counsel for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mid-Atlantic region and former National Director of the Offices of Pesticides Programs.
To provide relevant, actionable advice, regulatory attorneys must understand the underlying business as well as they understand the environmental laws; Cozen O’Connor immerses itself in client operations, financials, and industry dynamics, and tailors all guidance accordingly.
Regulatory Counseling
The firm works closely with corporate clients to establish their responsibilities under federal and state environmental statutes and design compliance regimes. We conduct comprehensive on-site assessments and audits, make recommendations, and assist in implementation.
Permit Approvals
The firm helps clients navigate the process of obtaining permits and authorizations from federal and state agencies, including permits for New Source Review, Freshwater Wetlands, Outer Continental Shelf Sources, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination, Underground Storage Tank Closures, and others.
Due Diligence
Our team conducts comprehensive due diligence to support a wide range of corporate and real estate transactions, particularly in the utilities, energy, industrial, commercial, and maritime industries. Assistance may include: Phase I and Phase II reports, compliance reviews and audits, inspections, resolution of areas of noncompliance, environmental liability analysis, environmental liability allocation, environmental insurance review, and transferring necessary permits or authorizations.