Ports, Harbors & Shipping
The continued growth of trade, business activity and developments at ports around the country necessarily intersects with environmental law. McKenna Long & Aldridge (MLA) attorneys counsel clients on environmental issues, providing clients with the unique experience and perspective necessary to address the steady growth and change in law and policy affecting coastal zone development, climate change, coastal resource and wetlands protection, and ocean-based shipping and commerce. MLA’s clients include ocean-going and land-based freight companies, commercial transporters, consumer cruise lines and industries supporting port activities.
Our Ports, Harbors and Shipping team has significant experience spanning the spectrum of environmental law and regulation. We can assist clients facing challenges in shaping, addressing and complying with environmental law as it impacts port communities, including:
- Coastal zone development, coastal resources, and shipping and commerce;
- Climate strategies and greening policies as they pertain to port operations, including determination of greenhouse gas baseline emissions, and assessment of options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprints;
- Transportation and goods movement;
- Hazardous substance use, hazardous waste generation and cleanup;
- Expansion activities and related planning (including compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA));
- Conducting environmental audits and drafting compliance plans;
- Negotiating with regulatory agencies and legislative bodies; and
- Related litigation.
Our attorneys and advisors bring together experience in environmental, natural resources, and energy law, government relations, project finance, and project development to provide interdisciplinary solutions so that clients can manage risks and capture opportunities in the ports community.