Stephen J. "Steve" Humes

Stephen J. Humes: Leading Legal Counsel in Energy, Environmental, and Infrastructure Law

Stephen J. Humes is a seasoned legal expert recognized for his comprehensive expertise in environmental, energy, public utility, and infrastructure law. With over nineteen years of experience, he provides strategic counsel to a diverse clientele, including utilities, energy companies, developers, and private equity firms, navigating complex regulatory landscapes and driving successful project outcomes. Mr. Humes’s deep understanding of energy regulations, renewable energy development, and environmental compliance makes him a trusted advisor for businesses seeking to optimize operations, secure approvals, and mitigate risks.

Mr. Humes’s practice focuses on advising clients on energy regulatory matters, facilitating the development of renewable energy projects – encompassing solar photovoltaics, cogeneration, and liquefied natural gas facilities – and addressing critical environmental issues, including climate change and compliance with federal and state regulations. He skillfully represents clients before key regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, NY State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, the Connecticut Siting Council, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and ISO New England.

Key Areas of Expertise:

Energy Law: Strategic guidance on energy contracts, regulatory compliance, and market development for energy businesses.

Energy Regulatory Law: Expertise in navigating complex energy regulations and securing approvals for energy projects.

Environmental Law: Representation in environmental compliance matters, including permitting, remediation, and litigation.

Infrastructure Law: Legal support for infrastructure development projects, addressing regulatory challenges and securing necessary approvals.

Litigation - Environmental: Experience in environmental litigation, advocating for clients’ interests in disputes involving environmental regulations and compliance.

Natural Resources Law: Counsel for projects impacting natural resources, ensuring sustainable practices and compliance with relevant laws.

Utilities Law: Specialized legal services for utility companies, covering regulatory compliance, rate setting, and infrastructure development.

International Who’s Who of Environment Lawyers, 2009; Chambers USA Guide to Leading Lawyers, “Leaders in their Field,” 2009, 2010; Environment Law, 2011

Notable Representative Experience:

• Renewable Energy Project Development: Mr. Humes has a proven track record of successfully guiding clients through the development of large-scale renewable energy projects, securing necessary permits and approvals and facilitating financing.
• Regulatory Compliance: He provides comprehensive regulatory compliance services, ensuring clients meet all applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
• Environmental Litigation: Mr. Humes has represented clients in complex environmental litigation cases, achieving favorable outcomes through strategic legal advocacy.
• M&A Transactions: He provides legal counsel for mergers and acquisitions involving energy and environmental businesses, ensuring smooth transactions and minimizing risks.
• Infrastructure Project Approvals: Mr. Humes assists clients in obtaining approvals for infrastructure projects, addressing regulatory challenges and securing necessary permits.
• LNG Facility Development: Mr. Humes has provided legal counsel for the development of marine LNG terminal facilities, navigating complex permitting processes and regulatory requirements.

Education & Credentials:

Mr. Humes was appointed in 2009 by then Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell as the only privately practicing attorney to serve on the Connecticut Electric Vehicles Infrastructure Council, which produced a final report in September, 2010 that made many regulatory and public policy recommendations to encourage the deployment of next generation plug-in hybrid vehicles in the state.

He is a frequent speaker on climate change, renewable energy, distributed generation, and clean energy project development and finance issues and contributes actively to the production of cutting-edge continuing legal education programs presented nationally by the American Bar Association and by other energy and business organizations throughout the New York metropolitan area. Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2011

City: New York, State: New York, Country: United States