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Testimonials
Energy and Environment
For several decades, we have seen the dramatic effect of world events and climatic impacts on energy, water and natural resources. Events in recent years underscore how quickly and acutely these impacts manifest themselves. As both advisor and advocate, Duane Morris guides clients through the complex legal, financial, policy and political issues surrounding the basic necessities that power all industries and businesses.
In addition, Duane Morris counsels clients concerning their rights and obligations under federal environmental statutes and regulations, as well as similar state and local laws, and represents clients in related enforcement proceedings and litigation.
"Duane Morris provided insight on liquefied natural gas policy and market issues for a Global Change Associates study for Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The overview of U.S. LNG policies, activities and projects provided by Duane Morris made our study timely and relevant to the Japanese government's efforts to ascertain changing global gas market developments. We look forward to working with Duane Morris on this issue and others in our future engagements in Japan." - Peter Fusaro, Chairman, Global Change Associates
Duane Morris lawyers have represented Exxon Mobil Corporation for decades. This representation initially focused on the elimination of price controls on natural gas and has progressed to ensuring fair access to pipeline transportation and vouchsafing honest competition in natural gas markets. Duane Morris also represents ExxonMobil with respect to petroleum transportation and electricity marketing issues.
"Duane Morris is instrumental in critical proceedings which affect the core of our business." - Douglas W. Rasch, Counsel, ExxonMobil
For the past several years, Duane Morris has served as counsel to the Santa Clara Valley Water District, which provides water to California's famous Silicon Valley. Duane Morris has negotiated contracts with the federal government, assisted in the perfection of water transfers to meet dry year needs, assisted with preparation of environmental documentation and drafted state and federal legislation and related testimony to help meet the area's needs for a reliable water supply.
The firm represents General Electric in environmental matters, a number of which have been in Puerto Rico. In one of those matters, the EPA was attempting to impose an expensive waste treatment remedy requiring the use of unproven technology for a Superfund site that GE owned. Working in close partnership with GE in-house personnel, and after obtaining the support of local environmental and political authorities, we prevailed upon the EPA to accept a remedy based on existing technology that cost approximately one-fourth of the originally proposed treatment technology.
"Success in this case accomplished three significant goals. First, it saved the company approximately $10 million. Second, it eliminated uncertainty and, therefore, the prospect of remedy failure and greater cost and bad publicity down the line. Third, it generated good will with Puerto Rico officials as we involved them in our process." - Bruce Adler, Sr. Environment Health & Safety Counsel, General Electric Company
Duane Morris represents one of the largest investor-owned electric utilities in Massachusetts. As counsel, we completed several successful regulatory proceedings for NSTAR Corporation, and its operating subsidiaries Boston Edison, Cambridge Electric & Gas and Commonwealth Electric Company before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Federal Court of Appeals.
"Duane Morris has combined expertise in federal utilities law and experience with deregulated environments to help us confidently navigate the restructured wholesale transmission markets." - Douglas S. Horan, Senior Vice President, Strategy Law & Policy, NSTAR Corporation
The linchpin to the restructured electric service industry is equal access to transmission lines. Satisfying a compelling federal initiative, Duane Morris helped establish the first Regional Transmission Organization approved by the FERC, the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. (Midwest ISO), and continues to serve as its primary counsel. The Midwest ISO controls the operation of the transmission facilities serving 15 Midwestern states and one Canadian province. To keep the power flowing, Duane Morris represents the Midwest ISO in a multitude of complex and novel matters before the FERC and the appellate courts.
"Duane Morris was with us from the start, and truly understands our business and our growing needs. With Duane Morris leading our FERC proceedings, we can confidently turn our attention to the business of delivering electricity and serving our customers' needs." - James Torgerson, President & CEO, Midwest ISO
The City of Bakersfield, California is the home of the most productive agricultural area in the United States. Duane Morris has defended Bakersfield's fundamental water rights, represented it regarding development of a proposed power plant, and has advised the City regarding its water strategies and its relations with its neighboring water agencies.
"We have relied on the attorneys from Duane Morris for many years. They have handled complex environmental and water rights litigation for us, represented us in state regulatory proceedings that are crucial to our citizens' welfare and have provided us with comprehensive and strategic counsel." - Alan Daniel, Deputy City Attorney, City of Bakersfield, California
