Matthew Dobbins

Successfully resolved state air enforcement action related to a series of excess emission events at natural gas processing facility without penalties or requirement to enter into a consent agreement with the agency

Secured first of its kind federal explosive license approval from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for oilfield services client 

Routinely counsel upstream, midstream, and a variety of other industries on the performance of environmental, health and safety compliance audits under federal and state audit statutes, regulations, and policies, with particular experience in Colorado, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas

Advised exploration and production company in connection with permitting strategy for disposal of drill cuttings and other oilfield wastes

Obtained complete dismissal of state enforcement action brought against natural gas processing facility for alleged violations of drinking water standards 

Advising produced water and flowback treatment facility on compliance with requirements under the RCRA, the RCRA exemption for exploration and production wastes, and state beneficial reuse regulations in the Marcellus region

Analyzed legal issues and assisted with advising an energy company on the potential impacts of NO_x and SO₂ emission trading schemes under the federal Clean Air Act

Assisted in drafting comments for a state rulemaking proceeding related to the regulation of oil and gas waste pits for an E&P services company, closed-loop drilling systems, and waste recycling requirements

Advised client in connection with sequestration of proprietary biomass material via injection well facilities to generate negative carbon dioxide emissions on behalf of third parties with net-zero carbon dioxide commitments

Lead permitting counsel for carbon capture sequestration project in development at Gulf Coast hydrocarbon storage facility

Advised one of the largest investment banks in the world on management of environmental risks in connection with potential conversion of idled oil refinery to biodiesel production facility

Represented Mercuria Investments US, Inc. on environmental matters in connection with its acquisition of Beyond6, Inc, a renewable natural gas retail infrastructure developer and alternative fuels provider for $169 million

Representing multiple clients in connection with potential acquisitions in the electric vehicle (EV) and EV charging infrastructure space

Developed strategy to ensure compliance with Equator Principles to secure project financing for the development of liquified natural gas terminal on the Atlantic Coast

Advising power company on renewable energy credit and greenhouse gas emission allowances issues in connection with sale of natural gas-fired power plants in California 

Developed methane mitigation strategy for Permian Basin operator

Assisted in advising a national trade association in connection with waiver provisions under the EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard

Represented a manufacturer following the release of radioactive materials at its manufacturing facility in connection with the response to the incident, including responding to regulator inquiries and obtaining approvals to resume operations following the incident, the related state government investigation and enforcement, defending the company against pending and threatened tort litigation, and assisting with the offsite investigation and remediation of third party property affected by the incident

Represented former owner of midstream company following sale in the defense of environmental indemnification claims related to air permitting and compliance matters, state remediation standards, and Process Safety Management requirements 

Represented former owner of chemical company following sale in defense of environmental indemnification claims related to air permitting and compliance matters, potential Superfund site liability, and occupational health and safety requirements 

Assisted in the defense of former midstream operator following sale against indemnification claims related to alleged breaches of environmental, occupational health, and pipeline safety representations and warranties, including factual development investigations, written discovery, and lay and expert witness deposition preparation activities 

Assisted with the management of e-discovery-related matters, including document collection and production, for a client in a toxic tort suit involving allegations of soil and groundwater contamination and claims of nuisance, trespass, and strict liability

Assisted in advising a mining company on potential tort litigation risks associated with the operation of tailings dams

Obtained summary judgment on all claims for a real estate developer in a toxic tort case involving claims of trespass, nuisance, negligence, and cost-recovery claims under the Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act based on the release of chemicals from a neighboring industrial facility

Advise former paper mill operator on management of potential CERCLA and Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act liability related to third-party owned waste disposal site

Negotiated access agreements for site investigation work and counseled client on management of potential remedial liabilities identified during soil investigation 

Counseled power plant purchaser on New Jersey Industrial Site Recovery Act requirements, including scope of site investigation and site closure criteria 

Counseling refiner on acquisition of environmental insurance policy for legacy site conditions in connection with proposed sale of refinery complex 

Counseled project developer on soil and groundwater remediation issues in connection with proposed buildout of terminal facility at the Port of Houston 

Assisted in advising an E&P company on the management of potential Superfund and state program remedial liabilities associated with proposed acquisition

Assisted in counseling a steel pipe manufacturing company on soil and groundwater contamination issues in connection with proposed acquisition

Assisted in counseling a plastics manufacturing company on the management of legacy remedial liabilities associated with recent acquisition

Advising produced water and flowback treatment facility on compliance with requirements under the RCRA, the RCRA exemption for exploration and production wastes, and state beneficial reuse regulations in the Marcellus region

Intervened on behalf of proposed power plant project developer in Pennsylvania in consent order negotiations between state environmental agency and municipal water authority to ensure power plant’s uninterrupted access to water from the authority for use in plant operations, clearing the way for the project to obtain financing and commence construction

Advised client on potential liability under the federal Clean Water Act, Oil Pollution Act and analogous state laws related to ownership and operation of marine terminal facility

Counseling landowner on groundwater leasing issues and water resource management matters 

Advised an international EPC company involved in numerous power, oil, and water endeavors on litigation and regulatory risks, regulatory compliance issues, and contractual allocation of risks related to water issues arising from hydraulic fracturing operations

Assisted in advising a shipping company on managing potential environmental risks associated with spills of oil, petcoke, and various other commodities to federal and state waters