Peter A. Tomasi

Partner

Peter A. Tomasi is a partner and business lawyer with Foley & Lardner LLP, where he is a member of the firm’s Environmental Regulation Practice and is co-chair of the Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) Team. His practice focuses on regulatory compliance and renewable energy. Peter has further experience with general civil, commercial and intellectual property litigation.

 

Representative Experience

  • Counseling clients regarding construction and operation permits for air, wetlands, and wastewater for infrastructure projects, including manufacturing facilities, pipeline and terminal facilities, and power generation and transmission projects.
  • Defending the adequacy of environmental assessments and environmental impact statements prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA).
  • Assisting clients with sustainability reporting, including developing its first carbon management and climate change strategy and revising annual Climate Disclosure Project submissions.
  • Advising clients regarding environmental and regulatory concerns relating to the construction and operation of renewable energy projects including biomass, solar and wind energy, including providing due diligence to lenders and tax equity investors for two wind farms, which also included an evaluation of the need for and completeness of efforts to obtain relevant federal, state and local approvals.
  • Representation of logistics providers and reverse distributors in rulemaking and enforcement matters involving hazardous waste pharmaceuticals.
  • Assisting clients with obtaining environmental permits from state, federal and tribal agencies for mining operations as well as assisting clients in developing reclamation and general compliance plans.
  • Representation of clients in citizen suits brought under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act against utility and manufacturing facilities.
  • Assisting clients in preparing comments on federal regulations issued under the Clean Air Act, the Resource Conservation and Restoration Act and the National Energy Policy Conservation Act.
  • Providing ongoing consultation and advice to coal, biomass and gas fired facilities regarding day-to-day compliance with the requirements of the New Source Review program, the New Source Performance Standards, the Title IV Acid Rain program and future greenhouse gas regulatory requirements.

Awards and Recognition

  • Selected as a 2023 and 2024 “Energy Law Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers.
  • Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the fields of Energy Law, Energy Regulatory Law, Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental (2010-2017, 2019-2021, 2023-2024)
  • Listed in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business in the fields of natural resources and environmental law (2011-2024)
  • Recognized, “Lawyer of the Year” in Milwaukee by Best Lawyers Magazine for his work with energy law (2018)
  • Selected for inclusion to the Wisconsin Rising Stars list (2008-2012)

Affiliations

  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Chair-elect, Wisconsin Bar Association
17 October 2024 In the News

Peter Tomasi Comments on Apparent SCOTUS Skepticism on Staying Federal Rules

Foley & Lardner LLP partner Peter Tomasi commented on the U.S. Supreme Court’s apparent wavering enthusiasm to block federal energy and climate rules in the Law360 article, “Supreme Court Signals Skepticism On Staying Federal Rules.”
15 October 2024 In the News

Peter Tomasi on SCOTUS Clean Water Act Case - 'It's really a question of who's the burden on'

Foley & Lardner LLP partner Peter Tomasi commented on a U.S. Supreme Court case with implications for environmental law in the Bloomberg Law article, "High Court to Take First Post-Chevron Look at Clean Water Act."
03 September 2024 In the News

Peter Tomasi Comments on Recent Environmental Permitting Decision

Foley & Lardner LLP partner Peter Tomasi commented on a federal court's recent decision to reject a coal mine's challenge of federal agency action in the Bloomberg Law article, "Coal Decision Poses Fresh Questions About New Permitting Rules."
16 July 2024 Foley Viewpoints

The Supreme Court Changes Basic Tenets of Administrative Law - Complicating the Environmental Protection Agency’s Ability to Address New Challenges

In a trio of cases, the Supreme Court has changed the balance of power between courts and federal agencies.
06 June 2024 Press Releases

Foley Achieves Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2024

Foley & Lardner LLP is pleased to announce that it is again recognized by Chambers & Partners as one of the leading law firms in the country in the 2024 edition of Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.
04 June 2024 Energy Current

EPA Finalizes New Greenhouse Gas Reporting Obligations for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: More Companies Impacted; More Fees Charged

On May 14, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published the final Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule requirements for petroleum and natural gas systems under 40 C.F.R. Part 98, Subpart W in the Federal Register.