Meeting/Event Information

Please join us to hear Brian Bell, partner at Dorsey & Whitney LLP and Shantal Pai, Attorney at Fredrikson & Byron P.A. speak about important and evolving issues related to environmental law. A reception with drinks and light hors d’oeuvres will follow the presentations. This event is sponsored by Dorsey & Whitney LLP.

Meet Our Speakers:

Brian Bell - 

Brian assists clients in obtaining environmental and operating permits for controversial industrial, energy, and natural resources projects. As part of this work, Brian advocates for companies before local, state, and federal regulatory bodies and on judicial review. Brian also represents clients in defending against agency enforcement actions.  

Brian has litigated cases in district and appellate courts throughout the country, including in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Montana. Brian also represents clients conducting environmental due diligence in mergers and acquisitions, and real estate transactions.

Presentation Summary:

This presentation will focus on the environmental enforcement tools available to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in enforcing environmental laws. Brian will discuss ways environmental engineers can support companies in responding to enforcement actions. Brian will also highlight recent changes made to Minnesota laws granting the MPCA additional power to shutdown facilities it believes are violating environmental laws. Finally, Brian will provide insights on the impact of the new administration on environmental enforcement.

Shantal Pai - 

Shantal is an associate attorney in Fredrikson & Byron’s Environmental and Energy Practice Groups. She advises clients on energy and environmental matters involving state and federal agencies, including permitting, regulatory, and compliance matters, and toxic torts. Shantal also is a trial and appellate litigator in state and federal courts on energy and environmental matters.

 Presentation Summary:

Shantal’s presentation will focus on developments in state and federal environmental regulations, including the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA’s) cumulative impacts rules, and new developments from the Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Shantal will provide an overview of what to expect from the MPCA, and how to provide guidance amid regulatory uncertainty from the Trump EPA.