Brien J. Flanagan
Overview
Brien Flanagan helps manufacturers, marine terminals and public ports seek the permits, authorizations and financing they need to develop state-of-the-art facilities. He has advised clients in the manufacturing, mining, bulk storage and maritime industries on complex and controversial projects, including bulk storage facilities for ethanol, crude oil and coal, and groundbreaking fossil fuel export projects on the Columbia River. Brien is currently working on permitting a gold mine in the Pacific Northwest, representing a coal mine owner in federal litigation against attacks on its mining permits, and assisting a foundry with investigation of contaminated property.
With 15 years of experience, Brien has handled all aspects of the development process including permitting; investigation and remediation of contaminated property; and ongoing environmental compliance, including hazardous waste management and compliance with stormwater regulations. He regularly counsels clients on environmental regulations including the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, Oregon Superfund, Washington's Model Toxics Control Act and Washington's State Environmental Policy Act.
Brien has successfully represented many clients before state and federal courts and environmental agencies.
Experience
Experience
- Advised a Fortune 500 Company in the acquisition of air, water and dock permits for a crude oil bulk storage facility along the Columbia River.
- Represented a large landowner along the Columbia River in the litigation and mediation of disputes with prior owners, adjacent landowners and historical insurance companies for a multi-million dollar recovery of funds from investigation and remediation from contaminated soil and groundwater at its property.
- Counseled a developer in all permitting matters for a proposed coal export project on the Columbia River, resulting in the first air and water permits issued for coal exports in the Pacific Northwest.
- Counseled a major ethanol distributor in the renewal of air permits for an ethanol manufacturing plant.
- Advised a container terminal on stormwater permitting; negotiated and assisted with development of a strategy to alter timelines to meet clients’ development and operational needs.
- Represented a developer in an administrative appeal of a denial of permit to construct a dock in the Columbia River.
- Advised on the development of a precious metals mine in Oregon.
- Serves as lead environmental counsel on a contentious multi-party sediment contamination investigation.
Client Results
Memberships & Awards
Awards
- Ranked for Environmental Lawyers in Oregon, Chambers USA (2017-2022)
Resources & Ideas
News
- Nine practice areas and 24 lawyers chosen for distinctionJune 2, 2022
- Nine practice areas and 23 attorneys chosen for distinctionMay 20, 2021
- Law360July 9, 2020
- Seven practice areas and 16 attorneys singled out for excellence.April 30, 2020
- Law360December 16, 2019
- Law360July 29, 2019
- April 26, 2019
- May 14, 2018
- Six practice areas and 20 attorneys singled out for excellenceJune 5, 2017
Seminars & Speaking Engagements
- Northwest Environmental Business CouncilDecember 6, 2022
- NEBC: Oregon Brownfields & Infrastructure SummitOctober 23, 2022
- NEBC: Oregon's Energy Future Offshore Wind SymposiumSeptember 8, 2022
- Cleaner Air Oregon Workshop: From Policy to PracticeJanuary 23, 2019
Publications
- February 26, 2021
- February 12, 2021
- May 7, 2020
- December 19, 2018
- November 13, 2018
- September 25, 2017
"Transporting and Exporting Coal and Other Commodities: Lessons from the Pacific Northwest," Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Institute 2014 (co-author)
"White House Backs Renewable Fuel Standard," Climate Change Law & Policy Reporter, April 2012
"Shell Oil Makes a Preemptive Strike -- Goes to Court to Restrain Environmental Groups," Climate Change Law & Policy Reporter, April 2012
Community Activities
Community Activities
- Campaign for Equal Justice, Board Member
Services
Education
- Georgetown University Law CenterJuris Doctor degree (2002)
- University of Notre DameBachelor of Arts degree (1997)
Admissions
Oregon State Courts
Washington State Courts
United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
United States District Court, District of Oregon
United States District Court, District of Western Washington
Outside The Office
- Skiing with family and friends at Mount Whistler.