A true resource for natural resources

By Alison Bailin Batz

Since its inception, Quarles & Brady LLP in Phoenix has been diligent in its work in the energy, environment, and natural resources industries.

Cutting-Edge Energy

“We represent regulated public utilities as well as alternative energy suppliers, alternative, ‘green’ and renewable energy producers and developers, energy cooperatives, trade groups, lenders, building and facility owners, and other energy market participants in all aspects of energy law and regulation on a local, state, national, and international level,” says Leonardo Loo, Phoenix office managing partner.

The firm’s attorneys, according to Loo, assist forward-thinking participants in the energy markets in addressing traditional and cutting-edge energy issues.

Among the longest-tenured and most respected on both a local and national level is Daniel L. Muchow, a member of the Phoenix team for 30 years.

“A West Point graduate, he is disciplined and client-centered in his deliberations, seeking the greatest value for his clients while building a practice that itself constitutes differentiated value that cannot be easily replicated,” says Loo.

Water Rights

Muchow’s career—thus far—is long and storied. Of particular note for Arizonans is his work in water rights.

“Throughout the entire Southwest, Muchow and his team assist clients in complying with applicable surface and groundwater codes, assured water supply requirements, and the Law of the Colorado River in connection with real estate development projects, ranching, mining, and other land uses,” says Loo, noting that he is also among the nation’s leading experts in establishing and managing jet fuel consortium entities at multiple U.S. airports.

Muchow is focused on helping clients navigate projects to avoid unanticipated water rights and permitting issues, with a particular emphasis on proper maintenance and conveyance of water rights and permits as applicable.

“For more than 30 years, he has represented clients on cutting-edge issues arising under the Clean Water Act, including the negotiation of direct and indirect discharge permits, administrative and judicial litigation relating to those permits, and the defense of governmental and third-party enforcement actions,” says Loo.

Local Agencies

Within Arizona alone, Muchow works hand in hand with a who’s who list of agencies on environmental issues, including:

• Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
• Arizona State Land Department
• Arizona Department of Water Resources
• Arizona Game & Fish Department
• Arizona Department of Health Services
• Arizona Water Quality Control Council
• Arizona Corporation Commission
• Navajo Tribal Agencies
• City of Phoenix Wastewater Department

“Dan has also appeared before such federal agencies as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Interior, and even the Mexican Comision de Fomento Minero (Mexico City), just to name a few,” says Loo.

Muchow is as focused on environmental issues outside of the courtroom.

He serves as a member of the State Bar of Arizona’s Environmental and Natural Resources Section, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce’s Environment Committee and the Arizona Association of Industries’ Environment Committee. Muchow was also a leader in Valley Forward for nearly a decade, and was appointed to the Governor’s Task Force on Environmental Impact Statements in 1990.

Honored as one of the Best Lawyers in America annually since 2003, Muchow is not only a green pioneer, but among the nation’s leading environmental advocates as well.

For more information, visit www.quarles.com.

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Alison Bailin Batz is a freelance writer based in Phoenix. She has covered the Valley business and entertainment scene for more than a decade, and also writes on food, drink and travel across the country. To reach her, email abailin@hmapr.com.