Peter C. Cunningham
123 South Calhoun Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
850.222.7500
pcunningham@hgslaw.com
Experience
- More than 20 years of experience in environmental law, specializing in air quality regulation and management, air pollution control and permitting, and power plant siting and licensing.
- In-depth understanding and working knowledge of federal and Florida statutes and rules concerning all aspects of air quality regulation.
- Represents clients before the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Governor and Cabinet, Florida Legislature and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Longstanding working relationships with staff at all levels of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, including the Office of the Secretary, Office of General Counsel, Division of Air Resources Management, Office of Siting Coordination, and District offices, as well as local programs and Cabinet offices.
- Represented electric utilities and other industry groups in connection with the Florida Legislature's consideration of legislation to implement the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, and the recommendations of Governor Bush's Energy 2020 Study Commission.
- Participated in numerous FDEP air quality rulemakings, including development of rules on new source review/prevention of significant deterioration, Title V operating permits and compliance methods.
- Lead licensing attorney on several major power plant projects reviewed under the Power Plant Siting Act, including land use hearings, certification hearings, and Governor and Cabinet consideration.
- Represents many clients, including electric utilities and manufacturers of sugar, pulp and paper, phosphate, cement, asphalt, steel and glass in obtaining all types of air permits from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Assists clients in resolving administrative and civil enforcement actions, including successful negotiations with the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Florida State Attorneys, and Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
- Speaker at regional and state conferences on air regulatory issues, including programs sponsored by the Florida Bar, Florida Chamber of Commerce, and the Air and Waste Management Association.
Education
- University of Michigan, J.D., 1979
- Harvard University, B.A., 1975
Bar and Court Admissions
- Florida Bar, 1981
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth and Eleventh Circuits
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association, Sections of Environment, Energy, and Resources and Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice
- Florida Bar, Sections on Environmental and Land Use Law and Administrative Law
- Air and Waste Management Association
- Member of Florida Small Business Compliance Advisory Panel
- Member of National Small Business Compliance Advisory Panel
Publications and Presentations
- Co-Author of Chapters on Air Quality Regulation and Permitting in Florida Bar's Florida Environmental and Land Use Law Treatise.
Awards and Recognition
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America, for Environmental Law, 2004-2008 Edition
- Listed as one of the "Florida Super Lawyers", for Environmental Law, Energy and Natural Resources and Administrative Law, in the annual publication of The Florida Super Lawyers, 2006-2008 Edition.
- Listed in Chambers USA, America's Leading Business Lawyers, for Environmental Law, 2004-2007 Edition
- Listed in the 2004-2006 Edition of Florida Trend Magazine's "Legal Elite" for Environmental and Land Use Law
- Has achieved Martindale-Hubbell's highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards.
- Listed in Corporate Counsel May 2008, as one of the Top Lawyers for Environmental Law.
- Who's Who Legal: Florida 2008.
Peter C. Cunningham Practices in: Air Quality Regulation, Climate Change, Due Diligence/Regulatory Compliance Counseling, Energy Facilities Siting and Licensing