Environmental & Land Use
Our clients deal with an ever-growing and changing set of regulations and restrictions affecting our environment and use of land or resources. Complex application of science and law often give rise to disputes in this area. Land use laws control or limit how a property owner or renter may operate a business, farm, or make other use of land, including as a home or for recreational property. Certain environmental laws also address matters for those who do not own or rent land. Every area of commerce is subject to regulations that are intended to prevent harm to the environment or harmful effects to others. Administrative agencies in the state or federal government have specialized personnel who enforce such laws. We counsel clients throughout the region on areas of environmental law and land use law. Projects requiring an environmental assessment, environmental impact statement, or other studies have been guided by Cutler & Donahoe, LLP. Local approval or enforcement actions or actions by the Environmental Protection Agency or other federal agencies require representation by those with appropriate expertise. We have experience to assist clients in the following areas:
Administrative agency representation and appeals
Agricultural restrictions and limitations
Alternative energy production
Citations or enforcement actions and related issues
Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, CERCLA, RCRA, FIFRA, OPA, NEPA, and other federal laws
Confined Animal Feeding Operations, general livestock production, and agricultural regulation
Drainage, flooding, and control of surface water
Environmental assessments, environmental impact statements, and permitting
Ethanol production
Land use and commercial or recreational activities
Mineral rights, oil and gas exploration, and other natural resources issues
Pollution and claims for damage to land, air or water
Water law, including wetland regulation
Wind generation
