Andrew M. Skanchy

Experience

Assisted in all aspects of pretrial litigation and a bench trial leading to a fully favorable federal district court ruling in dispute regarding the extent local air district may regulate railroads (Assn. of Am. R.R. v. SCAQMD, No. 06-01416 (C.D. Cal. May 1, 2007)).

Advised major railroad on CEQA and NEPA issues, particularly related to air pollution and climate change impacts, associated with various projects, such as additional tracks and intermodal railyards.

Counseled international airport on issues concerning potential air quality and noise violations. Met with and advised airport directors and negotiated settlement with air quality district.

Analyzed environmental reports and advised client on potential environmental liabilities associated with $5.5 billion acquisition of Gerber Products Co. by Nestle SA.

Successfully advocated client's concerns before state legislature regarding Clean Air Act's preemption of proposed legislation to regulate Bio-Diesel fuels, leading to altered legislative language.

Drafted supplemental brief to California Supreme Court on precedent-setting CEQA timing issue (Save Tara v. City of West Hollywood (2008) 45 Cal. 4th 116).

Provided legal counsel and guidance to commercial and residential developers on land use, including CEQA and NEPA, permitting and environmental issues.

Participated in South Coast Air Quality Management District's Greenhouse Gas Working Group.

Guided client through a contentious CERCLA contamination dispute before California Superior Court, leading to favorable settlement before trial.

Represented plaintiff in contract dispute related to asbestos remediation, leading to successful settlement before trial.

Worked with the California Regional Water Quality Control Board to assist client in obtaining necessary permits for contentious commercial development in Malibu.

Participated in successful defense of major oil company, winning crucial demurrer arguments against class action claims related to oil pipeline, leading to favorable settlement.

Advised and handled drafting of the Environmental Impact Report, including responses to comments, for major mall development near Los Angeles that was opposed by nearby commercial centers; prepared client for City Council presentation.

Took lead role handling discovery responses and Superior Court appearances in over 50, often concurrent, asbestos cases for Fortune 500 Company.

Worked with and persuaded state attorney general to express concerns over a legislative proposal to implement a windfall tax on oil companies, leading to withdrawal of bill.

On behalf of a consortium of clients, presented Constitutional and policy concerns over a proposed Cultural Heritage Ordinance to the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission, leading to delayed vote and revision of the then-proposed language.

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