Tim Sowecke is a Shareholder at GableGotwals, where he advises clients on complex energy and environmental matters, with a focus on litigation, and regulatory compliance and enforcement at both the state and federal levels.
Tim represents clients in the energy, chemical, manufacturing, real estate, and agricultural sectors in matters involving the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, RCRA, CERCLA (Superfund), TSCA, NEPA, and other federal and state environmental statutes. He routinely appears before administrative agencies, including the EPA, PHMSA, USACE, ODEQ, OCC, and the OWRB. His work includes permitting, enforcement defense, and regulatory strategy, including submitting comments on proposed rules.
He has significant experience managing environmental contamination issues involving soil, water, and air. Tim works closely with scientific experts on environmental investigations, regulatory compliance and enforcement issues, and litigation, including disputes involving legacy contamination, Superfund sites, and emerging contaminants such as PFAS. He also advises on PFAS risk assessments and mitigation, including supply chain and waste management strategies.
In the energy space, Tim handles litigation and regulatory matters involving upstream and midstream operations, including issues related to UIC wells, pipeline operations, and oilfield waste. He also assists with title, easements, and mineral development agreements, including leases and surface use agreements.
His transactional support includes environmental due diligence, ASTM Phase I and II assessments, and the negotiation of environmental representations, warranties, and indemnities in asset transactions. He regularly assists clients with managing risks in the acquisition/sale and re-use and redevelopment of historically contaminated properties.
Beyond his core practice, Tim contributes pro bono work on criminal justice reform and supports local nonprofits. He previously clerked for the Hon. Kate Fox of the Wyoming Supreme Court.
Recent Publications
- EPA Regulations – PFAS as Far as the Eye Can See, The Journal Record (November 6, 2023)
- Gavel to Gavel: As PFAS Regulations Loom, Time to Update Due Diligence, The Journal Record (January 25, 2023)
- EPA Proposes PFAS Hazardous Substance Designation, The Journal Record (September 9, 2022)
- McGirt and the Oklahoma Midnight Rider, The Journal Record (January 21, 2022)
Representative Matters
- Defended energy companies in federal and state enforcement actions involving alleged groundwater and air contamination.
- Advised refineries and chemical manufacturers on environmental, health, and safety compliance.
- Guided waste management client through complex permitting and compliance matters under the Clean Air Act, RCRA, and TSCA before EPA and state regulators.
- Served as lead counsel for site selection, due diligence, and permitting for solid waste processing facilities.
- Advised on due diligence and risk allocation for property acquisitions on Superfund sites.
- Counseled midstream operator on regulatory compliance and easement agreements related to PHMSA pipeline safety requirements and landowner disputes.
- Assisted client with EPA PFAS rulemaking, including drafting public comments and assessing operational impacts.
- Advised real estate developer in resolving wetland and species habitat issues under NEPA and the Endangered Species Act.
- Assist client with all environmental aspects of a large flood management project in partnership with USACE.
- Managed investigation and expert engagement in CERCLA-related litigation involving historic industrial contamination of soil and surface water.
- Represented clients in permitting, compliance, and enforcement actions before the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”), Oklahoma Corporation Commission (“OCC”), and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (“OWRB”).