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– Chambers USA, 2014-2025
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– Chambers USA Respondent
Known nationally for the results obtained for our clients on a wide range of environmental matters, Vinson & Elkins Environmental Litigation team has worked on some of the last decade’s most important and highly publicized environmental litigation matters.
We have litigated cases across the spectrum of environmental law, including civil and criminal enforcement, private-party litigation, toxic tort litigation, environmental citizen suits, contested permitting or rule-making, CERCLA litigation, and crisis management and response. We have particular strength in representing clients in federal and state courts, and before administrative agencies, on complex environmental matters that include components such as regulatory enforcement, criminal issues, and tort or contract actions.
We are skilled negotiators with a broad and deep understanding of the issues facing clients in the industrial, manufacturing, and energy sectors. We understand the potentially catastrophic consequences of environmental litigation, such as disrupting operations, distracting executives, and damaging a company’s brand, as well as the potential monetary consequences of damages, fines, penalties, and debarment. Our goal is to achieve cost-effective and favorable resolutions of environmental matters consistent with each client’s business objectives.
Representing a major international mining company in more than sixty significant environmental and commercial litigation matters that have a substantial environmental component
Represented a large coal and coke export facility on the Gulf Coast in defense of a Clean Water Act citizens suit initiated by a combination of local and national environmental NGOs
Obtained dismissal by trial court of Clean Air Act enforcement action against a former owner of a coal-fired power plant seeking extensive injunctive relief; Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed dismissal in unanimous 68-page opinion
Defended a large integrated refinery and chemical plant against Clean Air Act citizen suit enforcement litigation
Defended federal, state, local governmental and private party claims arising out of the largest inland gasoline spill in U.S. history and obtained a defense jury verdict in the first civil case by a group of 14 plaintiffs and settlement of the Natural Resources Damage claims for a fraction of original damage estimates
Represented an oil and gas producer in civil litigation involving allegations of soil and groundwater contamination, and claims of trespass, nuisance, and breach of contract resulting from oil and gas exploration activities
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
Defended a private arbitration arising out of the sale of a plant targeted in EPA’s New Source Review Initiative wherein the seller paid less than fifty cents on the dollar for costs of restoring plant to compliance
Defended an oil and gas operator in the Gulf of Mexico against criminal prosecution related to oil spills and NPDES compliance reporting
At Vinson & Elkins, we bring decades of knowledge, skill, and experience to our clients’ most complex legal matters.
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Client Alerts
Clearer Water Ahead? EPA and Army Corps Seek Comment on Key WOTUS Terms
On September 9, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“Army Corps”) issued …
September 11, 2026
September 11, 2026 • 7-minute read
Client Alerts
Governance & Sustainability Roundup – August 10, 2026
Welcome to our Governance & Sustainability Roundup — Our regular briefing that gives a quick overview on what has recently …
August 10, 2026
August 10, 2026 • 6-minute read
Event Recaps
Data Center Disputes – What We’ve Seen and What is Around the Corner
This presentation surveyed the rapidly expanding landscape of data center disputes, highlighting the breadth of litigation already underway and the emerging risks on the horizon.
July 29, 2026
July 29, 2026 • 1-minute read
Client Alerts
CARB Defers SB 253 Scope 1 & 2 Reporting Deadline by Three Months
On June 24, 2026, the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) announced it will push the initial SB 253 Scope 1 …
June 25, 2026
June 25, 2026 • 2-minute read
Client Alerts
FERC Streamlines Natural Gas Permitting in Support of Infrastructure
On June 18, 2026, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC” or the “Commission”) announced two orders at its June 2026 …
June 22, 2026
June 22, 2026 • 7-minute read
Client Alerts
Governance & Sustainability Roundup – June 17, 2026
Welcome to our Governance & Sustainability Roundup — Our regular briefing that gives a quick overview on what has recently …
June 17, 2026
June 17, 2026 • 10-minute read
Client Alerts
Colorado and Wyoming Formalize Cross-Border Carbon Storage Coordination
In May 2026, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (“WYDEQ”) and the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (“ECMC”) executed …
May 28, 2026
May 28, 2026 • 3-minute read
