Ronald M. 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 the adoption of regulations under the Clean Air Act, cleanup and responsibility for contaminated sites and waterbodies, permit appeals, enforcement matters, and wastewater management. Ron also advises clients on permitting and regulatory matters, including the National Environmental Policy Act, air and water pollution, wetlands, storm water management, waste management, and remediation of contaminated sites. He has advised clients on environmental aspects of the development of energy projects.
Representative Experience
Representative Matters
- Represented energy companies in litigation over rules promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Air Act
- Assisted a client in preparation of comments on proposed rulemakings under the Clean Air Act
- Advised clients on federal and state permitting requirements for proposed construction and development projects, including storm water management, wetlands, endangered species, and National Environmental Policy Act issues
Professional Highlights
Speaking Engagements
"Greenhouse Gas Emissions Update—The Impact on All Industries," 2015 Core Energy and Environmental Conference Series, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, October 29, 2015
"Bringing Our Carbon Footprint Down to Size: What EPA's Final Clean Power Plan Means to Pennsylvania", Pennsylvania Bar Institute webinar, October 8, 2015
"Legal Framework of Notice and Comment Process," Association of Corporate Counsel, DELVACCA Chapter, seminar on "Strategic Considerations in the Regulatory Comment Process," September 2011
Board Memberships & Community Service
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, past member, Board of Trustees
Colgate University, past member, Board of Trustees
Publications
Co-author, "State Implementation of the Clean Power Plan: Why It Matters to Industries Outside the Power Sector," Environmental Law Reporter, November 2015
Co-author, "Climate Change and the Chesapeake Bay," Bar Bulletin, September 21, 2015
Co-author, "Primer on Air Pollution Control Issues, Including Permitting and Climate Change," chapter in Guidebook on Pennsylvania Environmental Laws and Regulations, 7
Credentials
Education
Harvard Law School (J.D. 2005, cum laude)
Board of Student Advisors
Colgate University (B.A. 2000, summa cum laude)
Admissions
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit