New York’s Infrastructure Investments Spotlight Importance of Environmental Law
In the next few years, infrastructure and construction are expected to be among the most promising sectors contributing to post-pandemic economic recovery. Their prominent role is due, at least in part, to the $275 billion funding plan introduced by Governor Andrew Cuomo in February 2020. In order for these projects to receive funding and approval to begin, however, they will have to comply with environmental laws and regulations.
For example, the New York Building Congress’ 2020-2022 New York City Construction Outlook predicts that $56.9 billion dollars will be spent on construction in 2021. (Click here to read the report.) This funding will support a variety of infrastructure and construction projects, including renovations to bridges, tunnels, and railways, as well as updates to the JFK International Airport. These projects must adhere to all applicable New York State environmental laws and regulations, and may trigger required compliance with the recently enacted Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Failure to do so could result in project delays, regulatory problems and potential litigation.
Successful and prudent project planning and execution in the current regulatory environment calls for being fully informed of the requirements imposed by these laws and regulations. That means ensuring compliance with all federal and State environmental laws, starting at the inception of the project. Developers, investors and builders should consider engaging environmental counsel early in the process to provide guidance, and to avoid unacceptable risks. Still, even the most carefully planned projects can encounter issues that give rise to enforcement action or litigation that requires legal representation. If you are facing a notice of violation, permit violations, stop work orders or other regulatory action, you need counsel well-versed in the specifics of environmental law.
Bleakley, Platt & Schmidt’s Environmental Practice Group is one of the most experienced and talented outside of New York City, specializing in all aspects of environmental law and regulation. We represent developers, investors, owners, contractors, municipalities and individual clients on a wide range of environmental issues. (Click here to learn more about our practice areas in environmental law.) Our attorneys have years of experience in providing due diligence guidance, permitting, defending regulatory violations, site investigation and remediation, and litigating environmental lawsuits. Our broad environmental experience and trial skills are assets our clients regularly rely on to minimize risk and exposure.
Whether you are a developer, investor, contractor, corporation, individual or municipal entity, let us help guide you to ensure your project is a resounding success. Call Bleakley, Platt & Schmidt’s Environmental Practice Group today at 914-949-2700.