Seth A. Rice

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Area of Emphasis

Seth Rice is an associate in the Environmental, Energy and Natural Resources Practice Group at Babst, Calland, Clements and Zomnir, P.C. Mr. Rice’s practice encompasses all aspects of environmental regulatory and compliance matters, including those associated with the development of natural gas resources in the Marcellus Shale, as well as transactional matters in the representation of companies throughout the United States. He draws upon his scientific background, as well as prior industry experience, in providing timely advice to large and small companies on compliance and enforcement questions.

A substantial portion of Mr. Rice’s environmental practice is devoted to advising clients on a wide-array of legal questions arising under the federal Clean Air Act and state air quality programs, including permitting (Title V, new source review, and state construction), monitoring, and enforcement issues. His air practice includes NESHAP and MACT compliance, as well as air toxics. Additionally, Mr. Rice has significant experience advising clients on greenhouse gas regulatory questions, including mandatory reporting requirements and emerging permitting considerations. He actively tracks climate change policy developments at the state and federal levels. 

Mr. Rice’s environmental practice also encompasses advising clients on the development of alternative and renewable energy projects. He has particular experience with landfill-gas-to-energy projects. Mr. Rice is knowledgeable in the unique blend of regulatory and commercial issues that often arise in the development of such energy projects, including renewable portfolio standards, incentive programs, and permitting issues.

The transactional portion of Mr. Rice’s practice includes counseling clients on the environmental risks and liabilities associated with the acquisition and divestiture of commercial and industrial assets. Mr. Rice has worked on numerous such projects in the chemicals, energy, and manufacturing sectors, involving facilities throughout the United States, Canada, South America, and Europe. He has performed numerous multi-media environmental audits and due diligence reviews, and understands voluntary disclosure programs. Mr. Rice has significant experience in drafting environmental liability provisions in asset purchase agreements and leases, as well as coordinating post-acquisition permit transfer activities. 

Mr. Rice has been involved in appeals before state and federal administrative boards, including the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board, Ohio Environmental Review Appeals Commission, and USEPA Environmental Appeals Board. 

He is member of the Green Technology Advisory Committee for the Pittsburgh Technology Council and the Pittsburgh Green Building Alliance’s Energy Policy Subcommittee. Additionally, he is very active in the Energy and Mineral Law Foundation. Mr. Rice frequently writes and speaks on air quality, climate change, and energy topics.

Background

Mr. Rice received a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, graduating cum laude in 2001. Throughout his undergraduate education and before entering law school, Mr. Rice worked for the USDA Soil Conservation Service, a Pittsburgh engineering firm, and a waste coal-fired power plant, where he developed a plant-based understanding of environmental issues. 

Mr. Rice graduated with highest honors from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 2004, earning his J.D. During law school, Mr. Rice served as the Articles Editor for the Energy Law Journal and student Executive Editor of the ABA Section Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources year-in review publication. Additionally, Mr. Rice completed a summer clerkship with the Honorable Judge James Goodpastor of the District Court of Oklahoma, during which he assisted with the management of a complex environmental class action lawsuit.

Memberships and Affiliations

Mr. Rice is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia, as well as the Western District of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Allegheny County, the District of Columbia, and American Bar associations. Mr. Rice is a former Regional Coordinator of the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division High School Mock Trial Competition for Allegheny County.

Publications/Presentations