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.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.

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 (2011-2023)
  • 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
08 March 2024 Article

SEC’s Slimmed Down Climate-Related Disclosures Finally Adopted

On March 6, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted regulations that will require public companies to file mandatory climate-related disclosures with the SEC beginning in 2026.
20 February 2024 Article

U.S. EPA Finalizes Stringent Annual Particulate Matter Standard

On February 7, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule to lower the primary National Ambient Air Quality Standard for fine/inhalable particulate matter
27 December 2023 Manufacturing Industry Advisor

Wisconsin PFAS Groundwater Standards Halted—for Now

The wait will continue for Wisconsin per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) enforcement standards for groundwater.
27 November 2023 Manufacturing Industry Advisor

How U.S. EPA’s New Environmental Justice Initiative Impacts Manufacturing Operations

The Environmental Justice Initiative seeks to ensure that all Americans—regardless of race, color, national origin, or income—receive fair treatment and have meaningful involvement with respect to development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
17 August 2023 Honors and Awards

Foley Attorneys Recognized in 2024 Best Lawyers in America

Foley & Lardner LLP proudly announced today that 236 of the firm’s attorneys across 20 U.S. offices have received recognition in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America©.
01 June 2023 Press Releases

Foley Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2023

Foley & Lardner LLP is pleased to announce that it has again been recognized by Chambers & Partners as one of the top law firms in the country in the 2023 edition of Chambers USA, America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.