About Lori Warner
Lori is a seasoned environmental lawyer focused on providing practical, results-oriented legal advice to guide clients in their decision-making. She is a pragmatic problem-solver. She helps clients understand in plain language what laws apply to their operations and how they can best comply. In 30 years of practice, Lori has handled the full gamut of environmental regulatory matters under all the major federal statutes and state equivalents (e.g., CWA, CAA, CERCLA (Superfund); OPA; RCRA; SPCC). Whether it is obtaining the permits for multi-state pipeline development projects, responding to accidental petroleum or chemical releases, or evaluating liabilities associated with contaminated properties, Lori guides businesses with realistic, practical advice.
One aspect of Lori’s practice is negotiating with state and federal agencies on behalf of clients facing enforcement actions, or who are undertaking voluntary and involuntary cleanup projects, asserting innocent landowner status, or have been designated as PRPs in Superfund matters. Lori is a stickler for detail, a trait that spurs her to understand fundamentally how regulations apply in real world situations. The ability to merge practical application with technical know-how has provided Lori with a strong platform when representing clients in stakeholder meetings, rule-making proceedings, public meetings and hearings, in filing formal comments to proposed rules, drafting proposed legislation, and preparing “white papers” on behalf of clients.
Another significant component of Lori’s practice is representing clients selling or purchasing potentially contaminated properties. She manages the due diligence process (including commissioning and evaluating Phase I and Phase II reports and agency records) to ensure “all appropriate inquiries” are conducted, and to structure transactions to account for environmental liabilities. If investigations show that contamination exists, Lori helps clients address risks by negotiating environmental indemnities, warranties, access agreements, and cleanup agreements, entering properties into state voluntary cleanup programs, and obtaining environmental insurance.