From William Hurst of GT Albany:

On May 27, 2011, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, through his Director of State Operations, transmitted a brief memorandum to Joseph Martens, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation ("NYSDEC"), stating, in sum and substance, that the NYSDEC should incorporate into its ongoing review of the potential environmental impacts of horizontal drilling in New York State some consideration of the recent natural gas well blowout in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, including recommending a site visit by NYSDEC personnel.  Perhaps more significantly, the May 27 memorandum requests that the NYSDEC’s Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement ("SGEIS") on horizontal drilling be "completed for issuance" by July 1, 2011.  Recent reports from NYSDEC had indicated that the SGEIS may not be ready for release until the early Fall, 2011, so the new July 1 deadline established by the May 27 memorandum should advance that schedule.   

 

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Photo of Caleb Holmes Caleb Holmes

Caleb’s practice focuses on complex environmental litigation and environmental compliance. Caleb has represented clients in state and federal courts and in administrative proceedings. In his environmental litigation practice, Caleb often represents corporate clients in cost recovery, contribution and government enforcement actions under Comprehensive

Caleb’s practice focuses on complex environmental litigation and environmental compliance. Caleb has represented clients in state and federal courts and in administrative proceedings. In his environmental litigation practice, Caleb often represents corporate clients in cost recovery, contribution and government enforcement actions under Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Caleb has litigated such matters through trial and has also helped clients negotiate and settle matters. He has worked with clients on cases involving a wide variety of contaminants, including but not limited to PCBs, PFAS, and dioxins. Caleb also has broad experience litigating complex commercial litigation, including products liability and mass tort/toxic tort matters. He has a depth of experience with all aspects of discovery, including work with experts, taking and defending depositions, motion practice, trial preparation and settlement negotiation.

Caleb provides practical advice to clients in the acquisition and disposition of businesses and assets and the re-development of brownfield sites. He works with clients to achieve compliance with state-specific voluntary cleanup programs, including Pennsylvania’s Land Recycling Program (Act 2).

Caleb counsels clients on compliance with a broad range of federal and state environmental laws, including RCRA, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and a host of other federal and state environmental laws.

In addition to his legal work, Caleb is active in various professional and civic organizations. He is currently serving as the Council’s Secretary for the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Environmental and Energy Law Section.