Environmental

Mr. Willis represents clients before administrative and judicial tribunals in all areas of environmental law with a particular emphasis on endangered species, wetlands, soil and groundwater contamination, hazardous waste and air quality issues. He has also assisted clients on environmental matters in federal and state courts and before many federal, state and local agencies including:

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency;
• United States Fish & Wildlife Service;
• California Fish & Wildlife Service;
• California State Water Resources Control Board;
• California Coastal Commission;
• California Air Resources Board;
• Local Air Pollution Control Districts;
• Regional Air Quality Management Districts;
• Regional Water Quality Control Boards.

Contaminated Land or Water – Mr. Willis is frequently retained by clients who face administrative or judicial enforcement actions in connection with alleged contamination of industrial sites. He confers with the client and the engineering consultants retained to perform the remedial investigation and feasibility study designed to determine what cleanup, if any, is required. Mr. Willis also negotiates with the agencies involved in efforts to avoid court action. If a settlement cannot be reached, litigation over the extent of the cleanup or the amount of penalties may follow. He has also defended judicial actions brought by neighboring residents alleging that they have suffered personal and property injury from contamination.

Wetlands & Endangered Species –Mr. Willis provides strategies for navigating the complex permitting process for wetlands and endangered species at both the federal and state levels. He is known for his ability to identify and overcome a host of regulatory obstacles blocking the development of projects. He assists clients with the conception and implementation of compliance programs. Mr. Willis has comprehensive experience at every stage of the permitting process, from undertaking due diligence and developing permitting and mitigation strategies to preparing application and mitigation materials and negotiating with agencies. In the event of litigation, he helps to develop sound records and advise clients on cost-effective strategies.

Mr. Willis has advised clients on the many aspects of endangered species law, including incidental take authorizations from consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service under Section 7 of the federal Endangered Species Act, including biological assessments and biological opinions; Habitat Conservation Plans (“HCP”) and incidental take authorization from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under Section 10 of the federal Endangered Species Act; the designation of critical habitat under the federal Endangered Species Acts; and the listing and de-listing of endangered species under both the federal and California Endangered Species Acts.

Air Quality –Mr. Willis represents clients before local and/or regional air quality regulating agencies such as the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Mr. Willis defends clients against enforcement efforts by these agencies as well as assisting our clients advocating rule making/changing before these agencies. In addition, he represents his clients before the California Air Resources Board as well as the United States Environmental Protection Agency on air quality issues.

Don’t see your particular concern or issue listed above? We can still help you! Give us a call or send us a message today – we look forward to partnering with you!