Regulatory and Government Affairs
Industry has evolved and so have environmental concerns. With the increasing importance of technology to the viability of all businesses has come an evolution in the industrial landscape. In addition to traditional manufacturing facilities, we now see more "clean room" processes and combined research, development and manufacturing facilities. The new technology era means more finely focused environmental concerns.
All businesses are increasingly confronted with a changing US and international regulatory landscape driven by concerns about climate change. Companies in all sectors of the economy are feeling the impacts of daily local, regional, national and international developments. There are varying levels of coordination among these developing schemes, presenting opportunities that can produce significant benefits for companies that develop and implement proactive business strategies. Where coordination is lacking, however, companies must identify and manage risks. Climate change also presents opportunities in the context of public branding, and even non-carbon-intensive companies must manage the manner in which they approach climate and energy issues, given its potential influence on their branding and corporate citizenship profile—both domestically and overseas.
Environmental issues are more subtle in a semiconductor chip manufacturing fab than in a paper mill, but they are as significant. Chemicals are critical in manufacturing, in the development of new technologies and in laboratories seeking solutions to life sciences mysteries. Accommodating environmental and public health protections and meeting the needs of rapidly changing markets are the new focus of environmental lawyers.
As research and development becomes the cornerstone to success in today’s technology era, it is increasingly important for all businesses to understand how to make their research and development operations environmentally compliant.
We are known nationally for our representation of companies in the technology, life sciences, energy and manufacturing sectors and for our ability to provide corporate leaders with comprehensive legal advice. Year after year, clients turn to our environmental lawyers to handle issues related to research and development of new technologies and products.
WilmerHale's nationally-recognized environmental lawyers combine a deep understanding of current and evolving environmental statutes and regulations with extensive environmental litigation experience to provide clients with sound guidance in the complex area of environmental law.
While representing companies in environmental enforcement, business transaction, permitting and litigation contexts, our environmental lawyers strive to reduce liability and transform environmental compliance obligations into opportunities. Our environmental litigators have represented clients in numerous administrative, civil and criminal enforcement actions, and in countless environmental civil litigations and dispute resolution proceedings.
We have been key participants in building national and regional environmental management organizations, and have worked with clients to influence regulatory and policy developments both on a federal and state level. Because members of the department are frequently asked to comment on proposed rules, we offer clients immediate access to current developments in all areas of environmental law.
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