Ronald M. Varnum is an associate in the Litigation Department and a member of the Environment and Natural Resources Group and the Climate Change and Sustainability Initiative.
Mr. Varnum assists clients in a variety of environmental litigation matters and provides counsel on regulatory and transactional matters. He has represented clients in litigation concerning waste management practices; underground storage tanks and groundwater contamination; water quality matters; and claims brought under the environmental review provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act. Mr. Varnum also advises clients on permitting and regulatory matters, including air and water pollution, wetlands, storm water management, waste management, and remediation of contaminated sites. He has advised clients on environmental issues associated with the development of wind-energy projects.
Representative Matters
- Represented a quasi-governmental agency in litigation brought by a third party under the National Environmental Policy Act challenging the receipt of federal money for a public housing and community revitalization project; litigation resulted in a successful outcome at the federal district and appellate court levels and the denial of petition for writ of certiorari by the U.S. Supreme Court
- Advised clients on storm water management, wetlands issues, endangered species issues, and National Environmental Policy Act requirements in connection with state and federal permitting requirements for proposed construction projects
- Advised a company on the environmental approvals and aspects of a proposed wind-energy project
- Counseled a client regarding federalism issues related to proposed development on private land in a national park
- Represented a landowner in a citizen suit against a mushroom waste operation under the Clean Water Act and Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law
- Counseled clients with regard to purchase and investment in property with environmental contamination, including advising on the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and Pennsylvania’s Act 2 Process
Pro Bono Experience
Mr. Varnum assisted an environmental group with its incorporation and drafting of bylaws and its application for tax-exempt status. He was also part of a team representing a client in appeals from a death sentence for a criminal conviction.