Our energy and natural resources practice is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team of legal professionals equipped to handle the complex requirements of utilities and companies operating in the energy, public water supply, telephone and sewer industries.
We apply a thorough understanding of the business environment and regulatory structure with an emphasis on long-term issue prevention and immediate conflict resolution to each case.
We’ve represented political subdivision-owned, investor-owned and cooperatively held utilities, both operating under and exempt from state economic regulation, as well as industrial and large-use customers as lobbyists in the state legislature and in a broad range of legal matters.
Our industry-specific legal work includes handling rate increases, complaints and rules, both before state regulatory commissions and in proceedings involving unregulated political subdivisions, rulemaking proceedings, franchise tax matters, facility expansion and financing and environmental regulation. Our attorneys also continually educate themselves on statutory, judicial and regulatory developments, as well as policy changes affecting the energy, utilities and natural resources industries.
Our litigation team also handles a variety of other matters, including contract and intellectual property disputes, antitrust and employment and labor issues. We are equipped to practice before state utility commissions, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and state and federal courts. Several of our team’s attorneys are also trained mediators and engage in alternative dispute resolution.
We represented electric cooperative in organization of cooperative water subsidiary, including Rural Utilities Service financing, source of supply acquisition and easement acquisition.
Environmental Protection Agency
Our team represented a public water supply district in negotiating a settlement agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency concerning allegations of violations and compliance with Risk Management Program Rule.
Investor-Owned
We represented investor-owned water utility in obtaining approval of first ever suspended solids trading.
Public Water
Our team represented a public water supply district in negotiating consent agreement with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources concerning allegations of violations and compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit.
We represented investor-owned utility in siting and financing treatment facility, through use of Development Authority issued bonds.
Tax Cut
We worked with developers and a regulated utility to appropriately address the impact of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 on the treatment of Contributions in Aid of Construction by the Missouri Public Service Commission.
Treatment Facility
Our team represented investor-owned utility in siting and financing treatment facility, through use of Development Authority issued bonds.
Utility Legislation
Our team appeared before state legislatures to testify on utility legislation.
Wholesale Water
We represented a public water supply district in negotiating wholesale water supply contracts, wholesale wastewater treatment contracts, infrastructure financing, construction contracts and easement acquisition.
