Media Mentions
2010
Susan Cooke was quoted in a SNL Financial podcast (April 6) regarding hydraulic fracturing technology that captures oil and natural gas below ground and below water aquifers. Fracking has been used for decades, but new techniques may require up to five times more chemicals and fluids than vertical drilling, raising environmental concerns. The EPA will study potential adverse effects of the new process, and, although bills to regulate it have been introduced into Congress, Ms. Cooke does not expect action until the EPA releases its findings. "My guess is that the bills are going to languish, partly because of the attention given to health care legislation and to other important programs, while EPA gears up to begin their study," she said. "While some of the proponents of the legislation want to get them passed even before that study is completed, others may be more willing to allow them to languish...until such time that the study is under way, if not finished."
Susan M. Cooke, Environmental, Life Sciences - Regulatory
2008
Peter J. Sacripanti was quoted in the May 8 issue of The New York Times and the May 9 issues of The International Herald Tribune and Newsday in articles regarding the $423 million settlement of a lawsuit brought by public water providers against some of the nation's largest oil companies. The water providers claim that the gasoline additive methyl tertiary butyl ether contaminated groundwater. As ExxonMobil's lawyer, Mr. Sacripanti noted that Exxon did not agree to the deal and does not plan to settle. "Exxon's position is very simple. When it engages in conduct that injures people, it pays recompense for that. In all these cases, our conduct did not cause injury, or cause damages. Our conduct was lawful," he said.
Peter John Sacripanti, Environmental, Trial
Susan M. Cooke was mentioned in the May 5 issue of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly in an article regarding her recognition in the United States Lawyer Rankings 2008 List of the Nation's Top 10 Environmental Lawyers.
2007
Susan M. Cooke, was profiled in her role as Boston office head in the April 30 issue of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. The article "Band of Sisters" focused on the 10 women who hold top management positions in major law firms in Massachusetts.
Susan M. Cooke, Compliance Counseling, Environmental, Life Sciences - Regulatory
2006
An executive profile on Susan Cooke appeared in the March 10 issue of The Boston Business Journal. Ms. Cooke was recently appointed to partner-in-charge of the Firm's Boston office.
2005
Susan Cooke was quoted in the November 23 issue of Forbes regarding the Small Business Liability Relief & Brownfields Revitalization Act.
Susan M. Cooke, Brownfields Redevelopment, Environmental
Thomas Sauermilch and Susan Cooke were quoted in the February 15 issue of The Deal regarding the Kyoto treaty that calls for 5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels in the 2008-2012 commitment period from industrialized countries as a whole. Mr. Sauermilch commented that U.S.-based private equity buyers are likely to look with much interest at Kyoto, since they won't have the same flexibility as strategic investors. "Some 18 months ago, there was a greater uncertainty in the M&A market relating to valuing the impact of Kyoto," Mr. Sauermilch continued. "That uncertainty will subside as diligence efforts become more focused and emissions trading markets develop." Ms. Cooke pointed out that some unknowns regarding the Protocol still remain. "I think that over time there may be situations where American companies will think carefully about where to site a facility," commented Ms. Cooke.
Susan M. Cooke, Thomas Sauermilch, Corporate, Environmental
2004
Susan Cooke was quoted in "Buying Into Brownfields," which appeared on Forbes.com on February 11. The article reported that although Congress passed the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act to encourage the redevelopment of 450,000 brownfield sites, the legislators left it difficult for regulators only telling the Environmental Protection Agency to write rules describing exactly what steps developers had to take to gain this valuable liability protection. "You can now buy contaminated property with your eyes wide open, and you're not liable," commented Ms.Cooke. "The question is, what level of inquiry do you have to conduct to get protection?"
Susan M. Cooke, Brownfields Redevelopment, Environmental
2001
Edward Gray posed a question to Lois Rossi, director of OPP’s Special Review and Reregistration Division, in the October 8 issue of Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News. Mr. Gray asked about water residue and the effect on our water supply.
