Jonathan Simon provides strategic counsel and legal representation to project developers, state governmental entities, Alaska Native corporations, concessioners, and others on a broad range of matters involving natural resources, public lands, environmental, and energy law. With a particular focus on the management and use of federal lands and the permitting of energy infrastructure projects, Jon has significant experience representing clients before the courts, Congress, and federal agencies in matters involving the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, Wilderness Act, and other environmental and natural resource-related statutes. He also has specialized experience working with project developers, Alaska Native corporations, and others on resource development and land use issues in Alaska. Jon currently serves as co-coordinator of the firm’s Public Lands and Natural Resources practice.
Jon assists clients with NEPA strategy and compliance, and has provided counsel to clients throughout the process of obtaining and defending special use permits, right-of-way grants, and other use authorizations needed to construct natural gas pipelines, electric transmission facilities, and other infrastructure projects on or across federal, state, and private lands. In addition, Jon has represented clients on oil pipeline tariff and related matters arising under the Interstate Commerce Act.
Jon also works with entities that operate or are interested in operating visitor services — such as lodging, food services, boat tours, merchandising, transportation-related services, and outfitter and guide services — under concession contracts, permits, leases, commercial use authorizations, and other arrangements in the National Parks, National Forests, and other federally-managed land areas. Success in these matters requires navigating highly specialized legal and strategic business issues and working in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) and other federal land management agencies. Jon offers a wide range of experience in this area, including preparing, and providing strategic advice relating to, responses to prospectuses for new or renewed contracts; counseling on sales and transfers of concession contracts; legislative and administrative advocacy; possessory interest and leasehold surrender interest issues; preferential right issues; and litigation.
In addition, Jon advises clients on compliance with the Lobbying Disclosure Act and other laws and authorities governing lobbying and political activity, including lobbying disclosure, campaign finance, and congressional and executive branch gift and travel rules.
Jon also serves as our Lobbying Compliance Officer.