Biography
Richard Lewis practices in the areas of domestic and international business law with a focus on environmental and energy-related legal matters. He represents clients before federal, state, and appellate courts and administrative agencies in civil, criminal, and penalty proceedings. In addition, he provides client counseling and advice in general business, permitting, compliance, and transactional matters. Mr. Lewis is the former Chair of the firm’s Business Department.
Mr. Lewis has represented energy companies, government entities (with an emphasis on publicly owned utilities), chemical companies, construction companies, and various other businesses in business negotiations, and environmental permitting, administrative, and civil enforcement actions. Mr. Lewis has also represented insurance companies and insureds in environmental insurance matters as well as clients in condemnation, encroachment, and injunction actions. Mr. Lewis has also represented manufacturing clients in various international contract negotiations for the purchase, sale and maintenance of various heavy equipment.
Representative Experience
- Represented natural gas company in enforcement action for failing to have permit, and water quality violations
- Assisted an energy company in permitting requirements
- Represented midstream company in two enforcement actions brought by USEPA for Clean Water Act violations
- Assisted midstream company in the development of a West Virginia state water permit program
- Represented client in waste load allocation and NPDES permit process over objections of local citizens and industry competitors
- Represented clients before environmental agencies in numerous environmental enforcement actions
- Provided client with advice and consultation to allow consistent compliance with regulatory obligations
- Represented a group of clients in citizen’s suit brought pursuant to The Clean Water Act
- Represented clients in numerous CERCLA, RCRA, and other solid waste-related matters
- Represented both interstate and intrastate natural gas pipeline companies in enforcement actions for stormwater discharge during construction activities
- Represented individuals and businesses in mediation and alternative dispute resolutions
- Represented client in negotiation of parts and services agreements for facilities in India
- Represented client in sale of corporate stock of British company
- Represented client in service contract dispute regarding facilities in South America
- Negotiated Parts Supply and Service contracts related to the international sale and installation of gas turbine electric generating equipment in India
- Negotiated environmental indemnity terms and conditions related to Mexican bank investment in Italian company-owned manufacturing facility located in Texas and West Virginia
Licensed In
- Kentucky
- Ohio
- Texas
- West Virginia
Education
- B.S. West Virginia University
Memberships
- Trustee, Energy & Mineral Law Foundation
- National Association of Clean Water Agencies
- Board Member, The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra
- West Virginia Coal Mining Institute
- West Virginia Water Environment Association
- Environment Committee, National Mining Association
- Member, Five S Society, West Virginia Water Environment Association
- Certified Illinois Mine Manager
- West Virginia Bar Association
Achievements
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Administrative / Regulatory Law (2025), Energy Law (2013-Present), Energy Regulatory Law (2020-Present), Environmental Law (2006-Present), Litigation – Environmental (2011-Present), Mining Law (2016-Present), Natural Resources Law (2012-Present), Water Law (2010-Present)
- Best Lawyers® 2019 Charleston, WV Water Law, Lawyer of the Year
- Best Lawyers® 2024 Charleston, WV Energy Regulatory Law, Lawyer of the Year
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business – Environment (2024)
Speaking Engagements
- Introduction to Integrated Planning, West Virginia MS4s, 2015
- Elk River Chemical Spill, Legal Lessons for POTWs, 2015
- Environmental Enforcement, Rural Water Association, 2014
- Environmental Issues at Oil & Gas Construction Sites, 2012
- Kentucky Local Government Issues Conference 2010
- NPDES Permit Compliance, WEA Annual Conference 2008
- Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Issues, West Virginia Clean Water Coalition
Press Release