Litigation Focus, Northwest Resource Law PLLC

We have significant trial experience in natural resource, environmental, and land-use issues, including defense of the forest products industry from lawsuits threatening its economic vitality, to representing property owners in disputes over whether they can use their land. We have successfully defended clients in citizen suits and appealed permitting decisions that were contrary to the law or a client’s business needs. When regulatory attention results in enforcement actions, we help our clients evaluate options for litigation, appeal, or settlement. We believe that effective advocacy depends on our active participation in policy work. We often assist clients with rulemaking advocacy and administrative and judicial appeals of final rules.

Defend forest products companies in complex tort litigation related to damages caused by 2007 Chehalis River Flood Event and 2014 Oso Landslide.
Represent operators/owners of retail service stations and other property owners in environmental claims and litigation arising under state common law, CERCLA, and state-law analogs.
Represent timber association on a variety of matters with potential for significant impact on state and federal public land management plans and decisions, including appearances in agency proceedings, and administrative adjudicative proceedings, including before the Pollution Control Hearings Board, and state and federal court.
Represented oil company in challenge to refinery dock expansion under Magnuson Amendment of the Marine Mammals Protection Act.
Represented major fishing company and agricultural associations with respect to environmental challenges to Washington’s water quality standards.
Represented fishing company with respect to EPA penalty assessment for alleged violations of CFC regulations.
Represented forest products companies and organizations regarding ESA take claims.
Assist clients in various emergency responses, including following fires at client refineries, catastrophic landslides, or sudden failures or malfunction of key equipment or infrastructure.
Counsel for municipal port in insurance coverage dispute arising out of multiple environmental cleanup matters, including contaminated sediments, groundwater and soil sites.
Represented businesses and condominium home association in administrative appeal of Final Environmental Impact Statement related to Seattle Waterfront.