Practice Areas
A director in the firm’s Oklahoma City office., Don has worked on projects in 41 states and five foreign countries. He has interacted closely with numerous state and federal agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice. Don was previously nominated by the Western Governors’ Association to become assistant administrator for air and radiation at the EPA in Washington, D.C. but ultimately decided to remain in private practice. He has interfaced with the current and four prior White House administrations and agencies regarding regulatory matters including global climate change.
Don has extensive experience in addressing PFAS matters (i.e., “Forever Chemicals”). He has been involved in evaluating PFAS contamination at facilities (e.g., groundwater, process water and soil), as well as potential remediation technologies. These efforts have required extensive interaction with laboratories throughout the United States relative to PFAS test methods. He often advises clients on PFAS regulatory developments and litigation matters.
Don has represented a number of industry sectors including exploration and production, midstream transmission, refining, pulp and paper, tire manufacturing, ammonia and fertilizer production, water and wastewater treatment, aerospace and cement manufacturing.
He has been involved in numerous environmental litigation matters throughout the United States. Such includes negotiated settlements totaling approximately $70 million on behalf of the City of Blackwell, Oklahoma and Kay County, Oklahoma related to contamination encompassing soil, groundwater and visible smelter issues.
Professional Memberships
Phi Beta Kappa
American College of Environmental Lawyers Fellow
American Bar Association
Texas Bar Association
Oklahoma Bar Association
Norman Public Schools, Board of Education, Past President and Member
Oklahoma Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Executive Board Member and Past Chairman of the Executive Board