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 Peterâs legal insights, approach to negotiation with the other parties, and his calm demeanor.'”
— Chambers USA Guide
Biography
Peter K. Wahlâs practice spans a broad range of environmental, health and safety matters. Peteâs involvement with regulatory matters includes counseling regarding federal and state laws, regulations, and permits and their impact on industrial operations. Peteâs 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: Americaâs Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Environment â Texas, 2022-2025
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2013-2026
- Lawyer of the Year, Environmental Law, 2013, 2026
- Environmental Law, 2013-2026
- Litigation – Environmental, 2026
- Lawdragon Green 500: Leaders in Environmental Law, Environmental: Regulatory, 2024-2026
- “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List, D Magazine, 2015-2016, 2018-2021, 2023-2025
- Whoâs Who Legal by Lexology, Recommended for Environment & Climate Change, 2023
- Whoâs 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 Associationâs 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 Artsâ Leadership Arts Class, 2009
- USA Film Festival, Board of Directors
- Northridge Presbyterian Church, Ruling Elder
âThe Best Lawyers in Americaâ Features 350 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2026 Edition, Including 10 âLawyers of the Yearâ and 106 âOnes to Watchâ
The Best Lawyers in America, a widely regarded guide to legal excellence, has recognized 350 Jackson Walker attorneys across 87 specialty practice areas in its 2026 edition, including 10 Lawyers of the Year and 106 Ones to Watch.
Attorney News • August 21, 2025
Chambers and Partners Releases 2025 USA Guide Featuring 79 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 28 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 79 attorneys and 28 departments for inclusion in the 2025 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 29 departments, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 9 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 12 recognized for the first time.
Spotlight • June 5, 2025
Jackson Walker Congratulates 21 Attorneys Named Among 2025 “Best Lawyers in Dallas”
Jackson Walker congratulates the 21 attorneys recognized among D Magazineâs list of the âBest Lawyers in Dallasâ for 2025. 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.
Attorney News • April 25, 2025
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 Lawdragonâs list of leading environmental lawyers.
Attorney News • January 31, 2025
‘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 yearâs 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.
Attorney News • August 15, 2024
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.
Spotlight • June 6, 2024
Jackson Walker Congratulates 23 Attorneys Named Among 2024 “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List
Jackson Walker congratulates the 23 attorneys recognized among D Magazineâs list of the âBest Lawyers in Dallasâ 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.
Attorney News • April 19, 2024
Lawdragon Lists Eight Jackson Walker Partners Among Leading Environmental Lawyers of 2024
According to Lawdragon, “The 2024 Leaders in Environmental Lawâ list features âan 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.â
Attorney News • February 2, 2024
‘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 yearâs 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.
Attorney News • August 17, 2023
Chambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2023 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 51 attorneys and 17 departments for inclusion in the 2023 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys recognized in the guides were ranked in 19 practice areas, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas and 6 named among the top attorneys nationwide in their respective areas.
Spotlight • June 1, 2023
Jackson Walker Congratulates 24 Attorneys Named Among 2023 “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List
Jackson Walker congratulates the 24 attorneys recognized among D Magazineâs list of the âBest Lawyers in Dallasâ for 2023. 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.
Attorney News • April 25, 2023
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 214 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2023 Edition, Including 11 “Lawyers of the Year” and 41 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 214 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 79 specialty practice areas in its 2023 edition, including 11 Lawyers of the Year and 41 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 18, 2022
Chambers and Partners Recognizes Jackson Walker Attorneys and Practices in 2022 USA and Global Guides
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 48 attorneys and 16 departments for inclusion in the 2022 edition of the Global and USA guides.
Spotlight • June 1, 2022
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 178 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2022 Edition, Including 8 “Lawyers of the Year” and 31 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 178 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 67 specialty practice areas in its 2022 edition, including 8 Lawyers of the Year and 31 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 19, 2021
âThe Best Lawyers in Americaâ Honors 164 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2021 Edition, Including 9 âLawyers of the Yearâ and 25 “Ones to Watch”
Jackson Walker congratulates the 164 attorneys who were selected by their peers as Best Lawyers, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 25 Ones to Watch, across 6 offices and 66 specialty practice areas.
Attorney News • August 20, 2020
‘D Magazine’ Lists 20 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among Best Lawyers in Dallas 2020
Twenty Jackson Walker attorneys were recognized in the âBest Lawyers in Dallas 2020â list by D Magazine, one of the premier publications in the city of Dallas. To be recognized in the list, attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer unmatched counsel in one of 40 categories.
Attorney News • April 24, 2020
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 109 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2020 Edition, With Eight Named “Lawyers of the Year”
Jackson Walker congratulates our 109 attorneys named to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Lawyers in America 2020 list, including eight attorneys who were named “Lawyers of the Year.”
Attorney News • August 14, 2019
‘D Magazine’ Lists 24 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among Best Lawyers in Dallas 2019
Twenty-four Jackson Walker attorneys were recognized in the âBest Lawyers in Dallas 2019â list by D Magazine, one of the premier publications in the city of Dallas. To be recognized in the list, attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer unmatched counsel in one of 40 categories.
Attorney News • April 19, 2019
Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 98 Jackson Walker Attorneys
Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas. For over three decades, recognition in Best Lawyers has been regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor, since an attorney cannot pay to be listed.
Attorney News • August 16, 2018
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: Americaâs Leading Lawyers for Business, Ranked for Environment â Texas, 2022-2025
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2013-2026
- Lawyer of the Year, Environmental Law, 2013, 2026
- Environmental Law, 2013-2026
- Litigation – Environmental, 2026
- Lawdragon Green 500: Leaders in Environmental Law, Environmental: Regulatory, 2024-2026
- “Best Lawyers in Dallas” List, D Magazine, 2015-2016, 2018-2021, 2023-2025
- Whoâs Who Legal by Lexology, Recommended for Environment & Climate Change, 2023
- Whoâs 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 Associationâs 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 Artsâ Leadership Arts Class, 2009
- USA Film Festival, Board of Directors
- Northridge Presbyterian Church, Ruling Elder