Government & Regulatory Affairs

Bradley Murchison acted as special counsel to the Louisiana Public Service Commission (“LPSC”) in conjunction with The State of Louisiana through the Attorney General (“AG”) and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (“LDEQ”), before the United States Court of Appeals for the D. C. Circuit challenging the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (“EPA”) Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (“CSAPR”). In its decision, the Court completely vacated CSAPR and remanded the matter to the EPA for reconsideration and reissuance of proper regulations under the Clean Air Act. The decision will leave in place the current cross state air pollution regulations that have proved to be effective in reducing cross state air emissions while the EPA revises CSAPR to comply with the Court’s decision. The Court’s decision is significant for both Louisiana utilities and citizens due to the massive adverse impact that CSAPR would have had on both the cost of electricity for Louisiana ratepayers and the availability of electricity to handle summertime needs.

Representation in significant permitting and compliance enforcement actions before the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, including orders from the Department to cease and desist operations. We have successfully negotiated these issues with the Department to allow the client to continue operations and have led the client to better operational and management practices.

Representation of a major corporation in environmental cases: Compliance issues involving sewer treatment systems at a location in Venice, Louisiana. We have successfully negotiated these issues with the Department, and assisted the client in managing its permit reporting and compliance systems to avoid future environmental compliance issues. Provided legal oversight of environmental remediation and claims against an industrial neighbor which stored and shipped chemicals for the oil and gas industry when those chemicals ignited, causing an extreme explosion and subsequent fire. Provided on-site representation for several days, working with the management team as it worked with evacuated workers, compromised air and water quality, destroyed buildings and property, law enforcement, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, insurance adjusters, and related entities.

Representation of an integrated energy company in connection with its development of a high-voltage direct current transmission system across Louisiana to tie electric distribution utility systems situated in the Southeastern United States to the wind power generation facilities within the boundaries of the Electric Reliability Counsel of Texas. Work includes the acquisition and exercise of options to acquire Louisiana property sites for AC/DC converter stations, the development of transmission right of way forms to be utilized in acquisition of the transmission line corridors across Louisiana and Mississippi, and the introduction of the project to Louisiana state and public elected officials and regulatory agencies.

Representation of an independent oil and gas exploration company in its successful application to the Louisiana Office of Conservation (“LOC”) to change the previously approved “unit operator” of a 640 acre “Haynesville Shale” natural gas drilling and production unit situated in Northwest Louisiana (the “Unit”). Our attorneys sought and obtained a rehearing by LOC in this matter due to the failure of the original unit operator to provide reasonable notice to our client, the largest working interest owner in the Unit, of the initial hearing held by the LOC for the establishment of the Unit. After receipt of evidence at the rehearing, the LOC’s Commissioner of Conservation issued a revised order for the Unit changing both the Unit Operator and the location of the initial Unit well, all as requested in our application for rehearing. Bradley Murchison attorneys are widely recognized for providing its clients the highest level of services before local and state governmental bodies. When involved with governmental affairs and legislative matters, it is important to have someone that has the knowledge and experience necessary to help you in your specific situation. Bradley Murchison provides that important resource for your business as you steer through administrative agency matters and legislative procedures. Whether you are a company, association, non-profit or individual, we take the time to learn and develop the details of your goals in order to better position you throughout the legislative, government relations and public relations process.