Overview
Josh Runyan advises clients with respect to the construction, operation, and maintenance of major energy, mining, and transportation projects. He works closely with a variety of federal and state agencies on regulatory, permitting, and environmental issues for new and existing projects, with particular expertise on the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and National Historic Preservation Act. His practice includes advising clients on natural resources, climate change, environmental justice, and greenhouse gas issues.
He also has extensive experience in regulatory matters, investigations, and enforcement proceedings concerning the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), US Forest Service (USFS), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and Surface Transportation Board (STB).
- District of Columbia
- US District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
- US District Court, District of Columbia
- US District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
- US District Court, Western District of Michigan
- US Court of Appeals, District of Columbia
- US Court of Appeals, First Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
- J.D., Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law, 2007, cum laude, Articles Editor, The International Lawyer Journal
- B.A., University of Wyoming, 2002
Areas of Work
Representative Matters
- Successfully negotiated major federal and state consent decrees concerning civil penalties, injunctive relief, and natural resource damages for Enbridge's Line 6B release of crude oil near Marshall, MI. United States v. Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership, et al.
- Won NEPA and CWA-based challenge to multiple federal agency permits for a client's domestic oil pipeline before the DC District Court and the DC Circuit. See Sierra Club v. US Army Corps of Engineers, et al.
- Represents pipeline companies before the US Department of State with respect to applications for Presidential Permits to construct, operate, and maintain cross-border pipelines. See White Earth, et al. v. US Department of State, et al., 14-cv-4726, 2015 WL 8483278 (D. Minn. Dec. 9, 2015); Sierra Club v. Clinton, 689 F. Supp. 2d 1147 (D. Minn. 2010).
- Represents pipeline trade associations and a pipeline company in litigation concerning a challenge to the DOT’s and PHMSA’s authority to approve emergency response plans for pipeline water crossings. National Wildlife Federation v. Department of Transportation.
- Represents a large Global Distribution System and a travel distribution trade association in various regulatory matters before the DOT pertaining to the distribution of airline services.
- Represents pipeline company with respect to challenges by Wisconsin Native American Tribe and the State of Michigan to close international pipelien.
- Advises major real estate developer on NEPA, NHPA, and FRA issues with respect to proposed development of a major project adjacent to Union Station in Washington, DC.
- Represents energy and transportation companies with respect to challenges to state laws or local ordinances that restrict the ability to operate in interstate commerce. Portland Pipe Line Corp. v. City of South Portland, et al.
Speaking Engagements
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"2017 Changes to OSHA's Chemical NEP: What You Need to Know," American Chemistry Council, October 16, 2017
News & Publications
Press Releases
October 22, 2024
Press Releases
Steptoe Receives 28 Practice Rankings, 34 Individual Awards in Legal 500 US 2023
June 14, 2023
Press Releases
Steptoe Receives 27 Practice Rankings, 26 Individual Awards in Legal 500 US 2022
June 16, 2022
Press Releases
Steptoe Receives 27 Practice Rankings, 31 Individual Awards in Legal 500 US 2021
September 13, 2021
Press Releases
Steptoe Receives 28 Practice Rankings, 29 Individual Awards in Legal 500 US 2020
July 7, 2020
Client Alerts
New EPA Rule Attempts to Rein in State Authority Under Clean Water Act
June 2, 2020
By: Joshua Runyan
Resources
Events
Webinars
Pipeline Accidents: Are You Prepared?
September 26, 2017
Speakers: Joshua Runyan, Steven Reed
Webinars
Pipeline Accidents: Are You Prepared?
January 12, 2017
Speaker: Joshua Runyan
Webinars
Pipeline Accidents: Are You Prepared?
December 1, 2016
Speakers: Joshua Runyan, Steven Reed
Noteworthy
- Legal 500 US, Rising Stars, Energy Regulation: Oil & Gas (2020)
- Legal 500 US, Next Generation Partner, Energy Regulation: Oil & Gas (2021-2023)