Climate Change Task Force Formed at Gardere Wynne Sewell

HOUSTON – To help businesses adapt to the changing legal and economic dynamics associated with climate change and environmental law, Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP has organized a Climate Change Task Force.

The initiative is led by Richard O. Faulk, chair of the firm's Litigation Department. The group will assist businesses across the country with regional, national and international regulation and litigation matters, and includes attorneys in Gardere's Houston, Dallas and Austin, Texas, offices.

"Global climate change is on everyone's mind — but it takes much more than simply 'thinking green' and following the pack," says Mr. Faulk. "For a company to implement a successful program, it requires an understanding of profound issues and the ability to determine the potential impacts. Our group combines this with the legal experience necessary to maneuver past challenges that are constrained solely by the imagination."

The Task Force's formation is accompanied by the release of a major article entitled "Stormy Weather Ahead? The Legal Environment of Global Climate Change" by Mr. Faulk and environmental partner John S. Gray. "We bring substance, not hype, to this discussion," says Mr. Faulk. "Pulling together resources accomplishes nothing unless there is also an expertise to identify and solve problems. Our paper demonstrates scholarship that transcends marketing and offers clients the assurance that we are absolutely capable of addressing these concerns." This paper, as well as more detailed information about the Task Force, is available at http://www.gardere.com/Publications/Articles.

Members of Gardere's Climate Change Task Force will assist clients in business planning and consolidation, regulation compliance, navigating emerging commodities markets, and understanding legal regulations related to all facets of the energy, chemical, refining and manufacturing industries. The Task Force's trial and appellate lawyers will work to resolve a wide array of civil, criminal and administrative proceedings arising from climate change problems, including threats posed by public nuisance litigation and enforcement of newly issued statutes, ordinances and regulations.

"Concern over global climate change is opening a new frontier for businesses properly poised for the undertaking," says Gardere Managing Partner Steve Good. "The formation of this group will enable us to consolidate and focus our talents into this emerging arena."

Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, an AmLaw 200 firm, was founded in 1909 and is one of the Southwest's largest full-service law firms. With offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston and Mexico City, Gardere provides legal services to private and public companies and individuals in areas of energy, litigation, corporate, tax, environmental, labor and employment, intellectual property and financial services.