Natural Resources Practice
Laws and regulations that protect habitat and endangered or threatened species may also restrict use of property and require creative thinking about development goals. We help our clients resolve disputes relating to the use of natural resources, helping to balance the needs of the economy and the environment.
At Marten Law Group we regularly advise clients regarding endangered species, wetlands, water, and other natural resources issues and help them comply with federal and state laws and regulations. Lawyers at Marten Law Group also have successful track records litigating high-profile cases in federal court involving natural resource damage claims under CERCLA, including the representation of the State of Alaska in recovering natural resource damages resulting from the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
Our lawyers have also handled high-profile endangered species matters. One of our senior partners was lead coordinating counsel for multiple fishing industry parties in the defense of a challenge under the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”) involving steller sea lions by environmental groups to Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska fishery management plans. Another Marten Law Group lawyer represented the developer of a proposed wind farm project in Washington, successfully negotiating with state and federal wildlife agencies to resolve concerns of the potential impact of the project on bald eagles. The firm has also assisted a lender with its foreclosure of loans involving properties with ESA issues.
Experience:
Section 404 Consultations • Natural Resource Damages • Habitat Conservation Planning • Permitting for New and Existing Sources • Compliance Counseling • Defense of Enforcement Actions • Regulatory Development