Energy, Environment & Sustainability

Land, energy, and environmental issues shape how communities grow, how businesses operate, and how natural resources are protected for future generations. From renewable energy development to land conservation, these matters are governed by detailed and evolving regulatory frameworks that affect how property can be used, what approvals are required, and how environmental impacts are addressed. Rupp Pfalzgraf helps clients navigate this landscape, providing guidance across environmental compliance, land use and zoning, project development, and conservation-related matters.

We represent a broad range of clients across New York State, including developers, municipalities, businesses, landowners, land trusts, and community groups. Our attorneys have deep experience with the laws and regulatory processes that define this industry, including SEQRA, NEPA, CERCLA, the Clean Water Act, and the New York Navigation Law. We regularly work with agencies such as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), helping clients secure permits and approvals, navigate land use and zoning processes, respond to agency actions, and manage ongoing compliance obligations. When disputes arise, we represent clients in state and federal litigation, including Article 78 proceedings involving land use, environmental, and administrative decisions, whether challenging or defending agency determinations.

Environmental issues tied to property and operations often carry significant legal and financial consequences. We represent clients in matters involving contamination, regulatory enforcement, inspections, and alleged violations, and guide them through consent orders and remediation obligations. Our experience extends to the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program, where we assist clients in coordinating with regulatory agencies and securing approvals and tax credits, helping transform contaminated sites into projects that can revitalize communities.

We also advise clients on energy-related matters, including renewable energy development and the regulatory processes that govern project siting, permitting, and environmental review. These projects often involve overlapping legal requirements and heightened public scrutiny, requiring careful coordination of land use, environmental, and regulatory considerations.

Conservation and long-term stewardship of natural resources are equally central to this industry. Our Conservation & Environmental Planning attorneys represent landowners, land trusts, and nonprofit organizations in protecting open space, farmland, wetlands, and other environmentally significant properties across New York State. Our work includes conservation easement drafting and enforcement, land use advocacy, SEQRA litigation, and Article 78 proceedings, as well as representation in high-profile matters before state agencies and the New York Court of Appeals.