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Scott Watson
OVERVIEW

Scott M. Watson

Partner

Grand Rapids

171 Monroe Avenue NW
Suite 1000
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2694

P 616-742-3991

F 616-742-3999

Scott Watson has broad experience handling traditional environmental matters such as property contamination cleanup and the mediation, arbitration, and litigation complexities that follow. In that arena, Scott delivers genuine results that help clients reach their goals. His experience also extends to helping clients solve novel problems and unprecedented issues that arise from complex and innovative infrastructure and energy projects.

OVERVIEW

Scott Watson has broad experience handling traditional environmental matters such as property contamination cleanup and the mediation, arbitration, and litigation complexities that follow. In that arena, Scott delivers genuine results that help clients reach their goals. His experience also extends to helping clients solve novel problems and unprecedented issues that arise from complex and innovative infrastructure and energy projects.

As an experienced environmental lawyer who enjoys a challenge, Scott is valued for his dedication to finding creative solutions for an array of issues. Scott’s ability to strategize allows him to consistently handle environmental regulatory and litigation matters that range from simple to complex.

Scott focuses his practice on regulatory issues and disputes involving federal and state environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), CERCLA, RCRA, the Endangered Species Act and Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

With more than 15 years of experience, Scott has a depth of knowledge in helping clients solve legal matters related to cleanup and remediation of contaminated property. He also advises on the sale of renewable energy credits and advanced cleaner energy credits, underground injection control permitting, and permits and siting relating to wind farm developments.

Prior to joining the firm, Scott was a partner at a Michigan law firm where he practiced in environmental and energy law.

Outside of the office, Scott enjoys hiking and exploring new landscapes.

Professional and Community Involvement

Member, West Michigan Air and Waste Management Association

Member, American Wind Energy Association

Member, Energy Bar Association

Member, American Bar Association

Member, State Bar of Michigan Environmental Law Section Council

Former chair, Grand Rapids Bar Association Environmental Law Section

Honors

The Best Lawyers in America, 2025

Michigan Super Lawyer Rising Star, 2012-2020

EXPERIENCE
Experience
  • Assisted clients with sale of renewable energy credits and advanced cleaner energy credits.
  • Worked with natural resources clients on tribal, cultural and historic preservation issues.
  • Assisted in the underground injection control permitting under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act
  • Assisted in development of permits for a coal-fired electric generation facility
  • Permitted and siting wind farm developments
  • Assisted in obtaining licenses and exemptions for distilled spirits plants and other users and generators of ethanol
Presentations
  • Environmental Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, “In Search of . . . Judicial Guidance under Part 201,” June 11, 2013
  • West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, “Clean Renewable and Efficient Energy Act and What it Means to Consumers, Developers and Load Serving Entities,” March 2009
Publications
  • Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation, “The Covergence of Mining Law and Environmental Law”
  • Michigan Environmental Law Deskbook Part 201: Hazardous Substance Regulation, Ch. 5
  • Quoted in MiBiz, “Sun vs. Wind?,” First Quarter 2011
INSIGHTS AND EVENTS
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