Peter K. Wahl
Practice Areas
Experience
- Administrative
- Air Quality
- Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)
- Energy Litigation
- Environmental Compliance & Enforcement
- Environmental Due Diligence
- Permitting
- Power Generation
- Product Liability
- Remediation & Property Redevelopment
- Renewable Energy
- Superfund
- Waste
- Water
“Peter Wahl is noted for his regulatory expertise, in particular on matters relating to chemicals and toxic substances. Sources stated: 'Pete makes complex problems understandable. He does a great job at evaluating risk and providing advice that clients can act upon.' 'I appreciate Peter’s legal insights, approach to negotiation with the other parties, and his calm demeanor.'”
— Chambers USA Guide
Biography
Peter K. Wahl’s practice spans a broad range of environmental, health and safety matters. Pete’s involvement with regulatory matters includes counseling regarding federal and state laws, regulations, and permits and their impact on industrial operations. Pete’s regulatory work includes a good deal of involvement with projects related to the remediation and redevelopment of contaminated property. Pete is also involved with the regulation of chemicals and other products under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act and other laws and also the development of programs necessary for American chemicals and other products to comply with the regulations of the European Union and other foreign jurisdictions.
Pete is also regularly involved with transactional matters, including the acquisition and divestiture of steelmaking, electric generation, and oil and gas assets. He is also involved in resolving and managing liability and litigation for clients dealing with sites across the country that have been listed on state and federal Superfund lists or otherwise subject to liability. Pete has also assisted with environmental aspects of several large bankruptcy reorganizations in the steel, chemical, manufacturing, and agriculture industries.
Education
B.A., magna cum laude, Gustavus Adolphus College
M.S., University of Queensland (Australia)
J.D., magna cum laude, University of Minnesota Law School
Bar Admissions
Texas
Minnesota
Court Admissions
United States District Court for the Northern, Southern, and Western Districts of Texas
Regulatory Matters
- Representation of a fertilizer manufacturer in federal and state enforcement proceedings relating to a significant ammonia release.
- Representation of a chemical manufacturer in an OSHA investigation relating to a plant explosion and resulting injuries.
- Representation of refining, chemical and steel facilities in obtaining and modifying regulatory authorizations for air emission, waste generation, and stormwater and wastewater discharge.
- Representation of a former owner of a pesticide facility and its investigation, remediation, and regulatory closure.
Environmental Litigation Matters
- Representation of a major oil company in a lawsuit filed by the neighbor of a former gasoline service station.
- Representation of a chemical manufacturer in a lawsuit it filed against a former waste broker for contribution under the federal Superfund law and Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act.
- Representation of a number of dairy operators in a lawsuit filed by a local municipality relating to alleged contamination of its drinking water supply.
- Representation of an environmental laboratory manager in a multi-defendant, seven-week federal jury trial involving a 77-count fraud indictment.
Transactional Matters
- Representation of a private equity firm in its acquisition of a landfill and waste transfer stations.
- Representation of a steelmaker in its acquisition of a large steel mill and numerous other facilities used in the production of oilfield pipe.
- Representation of a major upstream oil and gas company in its simultaneous merger with two other oil and gas companies.
- Representation of clients in the resolution of environmental claims and bankruptcy reorganization of manufacturing and chemical companies.
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Environment – Texas, 2022-2024
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2013-2025
- Lawyer of the Year, Environmental Law, 2013
- Environmental Law, 2013-2025
- Litigation – Environmental, 2025
- Lawdragon Green 500: Leaders in Environmental Law, Environmental: Regulatory, 2024-2025
- “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List, D Magazine, 2015-2016, 2018-2021, 2023-2024
- Who’s Who Legal by Lexology, Recommended for Environment & Climate Change, 2023
- Who’s Who Legal: Texas, Environment, 2016, 2019
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2009-2012
- “40 Under 40,” Dallas Business Journal, 2010
- “Best Lawyers in Dallas Under 40,” D Magazine, 2006
- Dallas Bar Association – Environmental Law Section
- Chairperson, 2010
- Executive Council, 2002-2010
- State Bar of Texas Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section, Executive Committee
- American Bar Association’s Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources
- Dallas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Dallas Chamber of Commerce Leadership Dallas Class, 2014
- North Texas Business for Culture and the Arts’ Leadership Arts Class, 2009
- USA Film Festival, Board of Directors
- Northridge Presbyterian Church, Ruling Elder
January 31, 2025
Attorney News
Lawdragon Lists Eight Jackson Walker Partners Among Leading Environmental Lawyers of 2025
Jackson Walker partners Ali Abazari, Leonard Dougal, Taylor Holcomb, Lindsey Moorhead, Michael Nasi, Benjamin Rhem, Daniel Vineyard, and Peter Wahl have once again been recognized among Lawdragon’s list of leading environmental lawyers.
September 10, 2024
Attorney News
Michael Nasi and Peter Wahl Recognized in Who’s Who Legal Environment & Climate Change Report
Michael Nasi and Peter Wahl were recognized as “Thought Leaders” in Who’s Who Legal’s Environment & Climate Change report for 2024.
August 15, 2024
Attorney News
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 306 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2025 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 75 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 306 Jackson Walker attorneys across 81 specialty practice areas in its 2025 edition, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 75 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (75 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (55 attorneys) and the addition of 27 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
June 6, 2024
Spotlight
Chambers and Partners Releases 2024 USA Guide Featuring 67 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 23 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 67 attorneys and 23 departments for inclusion in the 2024 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 27 departments, with 3 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 8 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 15 recognized for the first time.
April 19, 2024
Attorney News
Jackson Walker Congratulates 23 Attorneys Named Among 2024 “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List
Jackson Walker congratulates the 23 attorneys recognized among D Magazine’s list of the “Best Lawyers in Dallas” for 2024. For recognition in the list, Dallas attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer unmatched counsel in one of 40 categories.
February 2, 2024
Attorney News
Lawdragon Lists Eight Jackson Walker Partners Among Leading Environmental Lawyers of 2024
According to Lawdragon, “The 2024 Leaders in Environmental Law” list features “an amazing collection of attorneys, ranging from wolf advocates, to sustainable finance leaders, experts in greenwashing claims and regulatory gurus who help businesses navigate environmental regulations to successfully develop projects.”
August 17, 2023
Attorney News
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 287 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2024 Edition, Including 12 “Lawyers of the Year” and 80 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 287 Jackson Walker attorneys across 5 offices and 82 specialty practice areas in its 2024 edition, including 12 Lawyers of the Year and 80 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (66 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (60 attorneys) and the addition of 35 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
Practice Experience
Regulatory Matters
- Representation of a fertilizer manufacturer in federal and state enforcement proceedings relating to a significant ammonia release.
- Representation of a chemical manufacturer in an OSHA investigation relating to a plant explosion and resulting injuries.
- Representation of refining, chemical and steel facilities in obtaining and modifying regulatory authorizations for air emission, waste generation, and stormwater and wastewater discharge.
- Representation of a former owner of a pesticide facility and its investigation, remediation, and regulatory closure.
Environmental Litigation Matters
- Representation of a major oil company in a lawsuit filed by the neighbor of a former gasoline service station.
- Representation of a chemical manufacturer in a lawsuit it filed against a former waste broker for contribution under the federal Superfund law and Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act.
- Representation of a number of dairy operators in a lawsuit filed by a local municipality relating to alleged contamination of its drinking water supply.
- Representation of an environmental laboratory manager in a multi-defendant, seven-week federal jury trial involving a 77-count fraud indictment.
Transactional Matters
- Representation of a private equity firm in its acquisition of a landfill and waste transfer stations.
- Representation of a steelmaker in its acquisition of a large steel mill and numerous other facilities used in the production of oilfield pipe.
- Representation of a major upstream oil and gas company in its simultaneous merger with two other oil and gas companies.
- Representation of clients in the resolution of environmental claims and bankruptcy reorganization of manufacturing and chemical companies.
Recognition & Accolades
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Environment – Texas, 2022-2024
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2013-2025
- Lawyer of the Year, Environmental Law, 2013
- Environmental Law, 2013-2025
- Litigation – Environmental, 2025
- Lawdragon Green 500: Leaders in Environmental Law, Environmental: Regulatory, 2024-2025
- “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List, D Magazine, 2015-2016, 2018-2021, 2023-2024
- Who’s Who Legal by Lexology, Recommended for Environment & Climate Change, 2023
- Who’s Who Legal: Texas, Environment, 2016, 2019
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2009-2012
- “40 Under 40,” Dallas Business Journal, 2010
- “Best Lawyers in Dallas Under 40,” D Magazine, 2006
Community Involvement
- Dallas Bar Association – Environmental Law Section
- Chairperson, 2010
- Executive Council, 2002-2010
- State Bar of Texas Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section, Executive Committee
- American Bar Association’s Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources
- Dallas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Texas Bar Foundation, Fellow
- Dallas Chamber of Commerce Leadership Dallas Class, 2014
- North Texas Business for Culture and the Arts’ Leadership Arts Class, 2009
- USA Film Festival, Board of Directors
- Northridge Presbyterian Church, Ruling Elder