Robert P. Fowler | People | Adams and Reese LLP

“Amidst the complicated and ever-shifting currents of environmental and natural resource law, I take pride in deeply understanding my clients — their businesses, people, cultures, and goals. Beyond providing mere advice, I roll up my sleeves and wade into the trenches alongside them, seeking practical solutions that meet clients’ expectations and empower their growth while protecting our environment.”

Primary Practice:

Environmental

Rob Fowler, a seasoned attorney with decades of experience in environmental and natural resource law, serves as the Environmental Team Leader at Adams and Reese.

Rob practices in the law firm’s Birmingham office and provides advice to clients throughout the firm’s footprint. Prior to joining Adams and Reese, Rob was a Partner in a large regional law firm and served as an Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Environmental Compliance for a conglomerate of approximately 75 affiliate companies in the mining, agricultural, and hospitality industries.

Rob has worked with developers, industrial clients, electric utilities, property owners, mining interests (limestone, coal, gold, and graphite), industrial groups, and others in all aspects of environmental and natural resources law. He has defended his clients against environmental enforcement actions brought by local, state, and federal regulatory agencies and citizens in all levels of federal and state courts, and in front of administrative boards. Rob has filed many amicus curiae briefs for various business coalitions and trade associations on complicated environmental issues. On behalf of his clients, he has drafted comments on local, state, and federal laws and proposed rulemakings.

In addition to defending clients in court, Rob has extensive experience in counseling clients on environmental permitting, certifications, and general compliance under:

Clean Water Act (CWA) and State Equivalent Laws (NPDES permits, State Indirect Discharge “SID” permits, U.S. Corps of Engineers Section 404 Dredge and Fill Permits, Stormwater Permits, Underground Storage Tanks, etc.);
Clean Air Act (CAA) and State Equivalent Laws (Title V Operating Permits, Synthetic Minor Operating Permits, New Source Review (NSR), etc.);
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) and State Equivalent Laws (mining permits, consent decrees, notices of violations, bond issues, cease and desist orders, etc.);
Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA) and State Equivalent Laws (Permitting and Compliance);
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and State Equivalent Laws (removal actions, remedial actions, cost recovery, contribution, superfund actions, etc.);
Endangered Species Act (ESA) (listing decisions, Section 7 consultations, critical habitat designations, incidental take permits, Candidate Conservation Agreements, Safe Harbor Agreements, etc.);
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), etc.);
Real Estate and Economic Development Transactions (i.e., voluntary brownfield cleanup programs, zoning and annexation requirements, greenfield startups, Phase I & II Environmental Assessments, etc.);
Environmental Justice (requirements under various Executive Orders, grants, community involvement, etc.); and
National Historic Preservation Act, National Historic Landmarks Program, and State Equivalent Programs.

Rob takes a holistic approach to serving his clients, recognizing that most environmental issues involve much more than a single-minded focus on environmental matters. He is not serving his clients if he does not also understand how economic, governmental, social, and public relations matters can impact any project or legal issue. Rob has his real estate license in Alabama and is a mediator in training through the Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution, further diversifying his experience and value to clients.

Active Community Service in Birmingham

Rob is deeply entrenched in the Birmingham community, holding leadership positions within organizations across the city. He currently serves on the board and executive committee for the Alabama Trails Foundation, and he is on the advisory board for Shepherds Fold, a prison re-entry ministry program. Previously, he has held many leadership positions in various civic organizations, including serving as Board Chairman for the Moss Rock Art Festival, a Commissioner for Red Mountain Park, and as a Board member for the Birmingham Broadway Series, and a Trustee for the Chamber of Commerce for the City of Hoover.