Tom Lee
Tom Lee provides environmental counseling on a broad spectrum of transactions and regulatory matters.
Tom brings a commercial approach to complex environmental issues across a range of industries, including:
- Aerospace, defense, and government services
- Energy and infrastructure
- Financial institutions
- Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
- Retail and consumer products
- Food and agriculture
- Chemicals
Tom represents clients in all aspects of chemical regulation, with a recent focus on state and federal regulation of PFAS, and defends clients in enforcement actions under the Clean Air Act, California Air District rules, California Air Resource Board regulations, California’s Proposition 65, California’s Green Chemistry Initiative, and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
He also advises clients on the chemical regulatory aspects of complex corporate transactions, helping clients understand the current and anticipated regulatory impacts to consumer product sales and supply chains.
Tom regularly helps real estate buyers and sellers navigate environmental conditions and related liabilities, with a particular focus on brownfield acquisition and redevelopment. He guides clients through every stage of their highest-stakes transactions, from initial due diligence to contract drafting, closing, and post-closing remediation and regulatory closure, all with an eye toward balancing costs and environmental risks.
He draws on an up-to-the-minute understanding of evolving regulatory frameworks to advise clients on compliance issues, working with companies to conduct facility audits, prepare and submit permit applications, and correct non-compliant conditions.
A recognized thought leader, Tom frequently writes and speaks on a range of environmental regulatory issues.
Before joining Latham, he served as an office managing partner at another leading law firm.
Tuesday Dec 8
Regulatory Affairs Council Program
PFAS requirements are expanding across consumer and commercial products through an increasingly complex mix of state laws and federal actions. With obligations varying by state, product category, and effective date, companies must navigate a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. This session will examine three key areas: understanding current and upcoming requirements, developing effective labeling strategies, and pursuing available exemptions.
The Patchwork of State and Federal PFAS Requirements: An overview of current and upcoming state and federal PFAS requirements, including key compliance obligations, effective dates, and implications for consumer and commercial products.
PFAS Labeling Strategy: Practical guidance on developing labeling strategies that address varying PFAS requirements across multiple states, helping companies navigate overlapping obligations and streamline compliance.
Currently Unavoidable Use Applied to Pesticides: An examination of the Currently Unavoidable Use (CUU) exemption process for pesticide products, including eligibility considerations and practical guidance on preparing and submitting an exemption application.
Speakers:
Julia Hatcher, Partner, Latham & Watkins LLP
Tom Lee, Partner, Latham & Watkins LLP
Edith Nagy, Practice Attorney, Wiley Rein LLP
Judah Prero, Counsel, ArentFox Schiff