At Kelley Drye, we understand the political and practical challenges unique to public sector clients, and we work closely with our public clients to develop innovative solutions that address multifaceted concerns regarding regulatory compliance, operational issues, and crisis management assistance.

Environmental and Natural Resource Damages Matters

Kelley Drye lawyers are involved in many of the most complex Environmental Litigation and Natural Resource Damages matters in the country, often navigating a unique blend of state and federal environmental laws and regulations.

Kelley Drye is currently representing the State of New Mexico regarding the contamination of the Animas and San Juan Rivers resulting from the Gold King Mine disaster.  Our lawyers previously served as Special Counsel to the Attorney General of New Jersey in litigation associated with the contamination of – and natural resource damages to – the Passaic River, one of the most significant and high-profile water pollution cases in the country.  Kelley Drye’s lawyers also represented the State of Louisiana, the Jindal Administration, and the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's Office (LOSCO) in assessing and responding to the unprecedented natural resource damages caused by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Representing governmental agencies, particularly in high stakes environmental matters, has provided our attorneys with a rare understanding of the diverse concerns and perspectives that influence complex environmental and natural resource damages litigation, and the rare perspective of trustee agencies.

Regulatory and Operational Issues

As part of our Public Sector and Government practice, Kelley Drye provides needed service and advice on the laws and regulations that apply to state, municipal and county operations, including permitting, contaminated site remediation, waste water and storm water management, environmental liability, and release reporting.  We assist public sector clients in resolving regulatory and operational issues.  Our regulatory representation spans a wide spectrum including advising clients on applicable law, guidance during spills or releases, and negotiations to resolve administrative and enforcement actions.  Our attorneys have sustained experience in regulatory compliance, reporting and cleanup of contaminated sites, agency inspections and investigations, and similar issues.  Our firm also evaluates permitting requirements and secures permits for air emissions, waste water discharges, and waste generation, storage and disposal.