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George C. Hopkins

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Hopkins, George C.

Biography
Casey advises and represents clients in a wide variety of matters relating to environmental laws. In transactional contracts, he has structured allocations of liability in mergers and acquisitions, asset sales and project financings within the United States and internationally, and has advised clients on environmental issues in connection with securities offerings and private placements. Casey has also represented various companies in obtaining environmental approvals required for energy infrastructure projects. He has defended civil and criminal enforcement actions at the federal and state levels.


Representative Experience
Regulatory
  • Represented several pipeline companies in obtaining FERC environmental approvals for several pipeline projects including one that introduced natural gas into southwestern Virginia by crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail
  • Represented a high technology company regarding environmental issues associated with the closure of a facility in Malaysia
Transactional
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  • Represented leading private equity group in acquisition of 300,000 barrel per day crude oil refinery in Philadelphia including in connection with obtaining ground-breaking environmental approvals
  • Represented leading private equity company in multiple acquisitions of pipeline and bulk storage businesses
  • Represented leading energy company on environmental matters in connection with construction and operation of coal-fired power plant in South America
Enforcement
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  • Defended client against enforcement action by PHMSA regarding compliance with liquids pipeline requirements
  • Defending client against NSR initiative info sulfuric acid industry
  • Defending former owner of coal-fired power plant against federal, state and citizen group suit seeking injunctive relief to require pollution controls on plant it no longer owns
Litigation
Case Citations | View All
  • Defended a private arbitration arising out sale of plant targeted in EPA's New Source Review Initiative wherein seller paid less than fifty cents on dollar for costs of restoring plant to compliance
  • Played leading role in trial and appellate team that overturned a lower-court decision holding client liable for 20 percent of a $36 million site in a reported decision
  • Defended a Fortune 50 client in a CERCLA private cost recovery action involving seven sites in seven states with a potential liability exceeding $100 million by developing novel theories of economic benefit and culpability for the contamination; resolved on highly favorable terms involving a pay-out of 17 cents on the dollar, despite client's ownership of many of the sites for as long as 75 years
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Education and Professional Background
  • Boston College Law School, J.D., 1985
  • Tufts University, B.A. cum laude, 1981
  • Admitted to practice: New Jersey, 1985; Pennsylvania, 1985; District of Columbia, 1993
Publications and Presentations
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George C. Hopkins
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2200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Suite 500 West
Washington, DC 20037-1701

Tel  +1.202.639.6641
Fax  +1.202.879.8841
ghopkins@velaw.com

Industries/Practices
Climate Change

Energy

Environmental Litigation and Enforcement

Environmental Regulation and Permitting

Export Controls and Economic Sanctions

Mergers and Acquisitions

Middle East and North Africa

Mining and Metals

Project Finance and Development

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act