Holland & Knight has bolstered its Public Policy & Regulation Group with the addition of Jason Hill as a partner in Houston. Mr. Hill counsels clients regarding complex natural resource and energy statutes and regulations in compliance, regulatory and litigation matters. He was previously counsel at Hunton Andrews Kurth.
With a background in administrative law as it relates to energy and mineral resource issues, Mr. Hill provides guidance on compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), Federal Land Policy Management Act (FLPMA), National Forest Management Act (NFMA), Mineral Leasing Act (MLA), Indian Mineral Development Act (IMDA), Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA), Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act (FOGRMA), and many other federal land management and environmental statutes.
Prior to joining Hunton, Mr. Hill spent 13 years working for the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) and its Office of Hearings and Appeals, Office of the Solicitor and Bureau of Land Management, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in a variety of administrative and enforcement-related roles. During his time in Washington, D.C., he served in several high-ranking positions at the DOI, including as the chief administrative judge of the Interior Board of Land Appeals, deputy solicitor for Energy and Mineral Resources and senior counselor to the director of the Bureau of Land Management. He also served as a trial attorney for a decade in the Natural Resources Section of the DOJ’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, where he was lead attorney in defense of numerous challenges brought through the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
“Jason’s distinct government perspective and substantial technical skills will be invaluable in enhancing Holland & Knight’s environmental, energy and natural resources practices,” said Karen Walker, leader of the firm’s Government Section. “He is a respected player in his field, and he will be an excellent addition to the firm.”
Mr. Hill previously co-chaired the Public Land & Resources Committee of the American Bar Association’s Section of Environment, Energy and Resources (SEER), is an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Law Center and is a frequent speaker at national energy and environmental conferences.
“Holland & Knight has a deep bench representing clients in environmental and energy matters, including in the oil and gas industry,” said Mr. Hill. “I look forward enhancing Holland & Knight’s existing practices with my knowledge and experience and contributing to the overall growth and success of the firm.”
Mr. Hill received a J.D. degree from the University of Houston Law Center, an LL.M. degree from the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College, and M.E.S. and B.A. degrees from Baylor University.