On Oct. 22, Greenberg Traurig, LLP added environmental and energy and natural resources practice shareholders Andrew Spielman, Courtney Shephard and Eric Waeckerlin to its Denver office. The trio joined the firm from Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck.
“Development opportunities on public and private lands are such an important area of business for existing clients who need the specific type of deep experience Courtney, Andy, and Eric offer in order to complete their large utility or infrastructure projects,” Brian Duffy, the firm’s CEO, said in a press release. “With their background in Energy Project Finance & Development and widespread work in energy transmission, we can provide additional capabilities to clients who are developing major projects in the mining, recreation, and energy industries.”
Spielman is a public lands lawyer with a particular focus on renewable energy, including wind, solar, transmission and battery storage. He works on policy and regulatory issues related to facility development and environmental permitting across the country.
Spielman previously worked at the Environmental Protection Agency and chaired both the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission and Colorado’s Regional Air Quality Commission, which were governor-appointed positions. He is also a former ski industry executive and continues to represent clients in this field, securing approvals for new ski areas and year-round facility expansions.
“Andy’s experience in public land redevelopment and natural resources law, combined with his background in energy project development and the ski industry, provides a unique perspective that will greatly benefit our clients in project permitting and land use matters,” Naomi Beer, co-managing shareholder of the firm’s Denver office, said in a press release.
Shephard has a background in climate policy analysis, carbon market dynamics and emissions accounting, which she uses to develop carbon management strategies for clients. She advises conventional, low-carbon and renewable energy producers on development and permitting strategies on federal and non-federal lands, as well as state and federal environmental enforcement matters, rulemaking and administrative appeals.
Shephard also represents private and municipal water rights clients on private transactions and Colorado water court proceedings.
“Courtney’s background in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and her strategic approach to environmental compliance will be invaluable to our clients in the Rocky Mountain West,” Beer said in a release.
Waeckerlin advises clients in the natural resources, petroleum and natural gas industries on environmental law and regulatory matters, with a focus on compliance with the federal Clean Air Act and climate change issues facing conventional and low-carbon energy development. He represents companies in federal and state enforcement, policy and regulatory matters before the EPA, Bureau of Land Management, state environmental agencies and state oil and gas conservation commissions.
Waeckerlin also serves as lead counsel in litigation matters for national energy trade associations in challenges to federal rules and regulations. He has defended oil and natural gas companies in multimillion-dollar air quality enforcement actions brought by the EPA and related state agencies.
“Eric’s focus on air quality compliance, methane reduction, and his litigation prowess in defending major energy clients showcases his exceptional ability to address the evolving challenges in environmental law,” Beer said in a release.
“Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that will enhance our ability to serve clients in the ever-changing energy and environmental landscape,” Beer noted in the release.
“The energy sector is undergoing a monumental transition, and it comes with a host of new opportunities and challenges,” Spielman, Shephard and Waeckerlin said in a joint statement. “Greenberg Traurig’s international platform, coupled with our deep experience in permitting and project development work, allows us to offer unparalleled service to clients navigating this shifting terrain. We’ve known and worked with attorneys in Greenberg Traurig’s Denver office for years and are excited to add complementary skills to this phenomenal group. Whether it’s renewable energy projects, carbon management, oil and gas, critical minerals, or recreation on public lands, we’re equipped to handle the complex interplay of energy innovation, permitting and project development, and environmental compliance.”