News & Insights

Conference

Quarterly Energy Forum: The Direction of Environmental Enforcement In the Energy and Petrochemical Sector


IN-PERSON ATTENDEES
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm CT
The Houstonian Hotel | 111 North Post Oak Lane | Houston, Texas 77024
Light refreshments will be served beginning at 5:00 pm, with presentations beginning promptly at 5:30 pm.

WEBINAR ATTENDEES
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm CT
Dial-in information will be distributed prior to the program.

Overview:
Please join keynote speaker The Honorable Ron Curry, Administrator for U.S. EPA's South Central Region (Region 6 – Dallas), and a panel of environmental regulators and industry representatives to learn more about the direction of environmental enforcement in EPA Region 6 and nationally. This evolving focus on environmental enforcement comes at a time of unprecedented challenges for the energy and petrochemical industries.

The continued focus on enforcement of environmental requirements is a key theme, both in Washington and Texas. Regulators seek greater regulatory compliance as they address new industry sectors, climate change, and diminished program funding. Industry is grappling with dramatic changes in the price of oil, a volatile market, and resource issues not dissimilar to the regulatory agencies. With these economic challenges, maintaining a robust compliance program can be difficult for both regulators and industry.

Amidst these changes EPA is implementing a new enforcement approach, entitled "Next Generation Compliance" (or "Next Gen") in an attempt to address diminished agency resources. The new approach involves use of advanced monitoring techniques, electronic data systems, and an emphasis on self-reporting. EPA will push to include this new approach in its settlements. Industry will need to be aware of EPA's Next Gen approach as well as the links between industry's economic challenges and upticks in enforcement activity that follow a few years later.

U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Curry and our panel of experts will discuss these issues and what you can expect for your business in this the new challenging era of environmental enforcement.

Speakers:
  • The Honorable Ron Curry, Regional Administrator, U.S. EPA Region 6 (South Central, including Texas)
  • John Blevins, Director - Compliance Assurance and Enforcement Division, U.S. EPA Region 6 (South Central, including Texas)
  • Granta Y. Nakayama, Partner, Tort & Environmental practice, King & Spalding (former Assistant Administrator of US EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance)
  • Additional speakers TBD

————

The King & Spalding Energy Forum is an informative quarterly series that addresses issues facing the energy industry.

Continuing Education Credit:
1.5 hours of CLE credit will be applied for in CA, GA, NY, TX and, if needed, NC and VA. Attendees will receive a Uniform Certificate of Attendance via email within 30 days after the program to seek CLE credit in other jurisdictions. New York lawyers: This program is considered both Transitional in content and Traditional in format and approved for all lawyers.

King & Spalding LLP | 1180 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309 | CA Provider # 10947

Event Details

Date: June 2, 2015

Time: 8:00 pm

Related
Houston Energy