Thomas A. Henry

Experience

Thomas Henry is a California mining attorney and partner of the firm practicing in the Natural Resources and Land Use group. His primary focus is on mining, land use, oil and gas, Endangered Species Act, and NEPA/CEQA law.

Before joining Stoel Rives, Thomas was a partner with Downey Brand LLP in Sacramento.

Representative Work

• Represents mining, development and oil companies and other commercial and industrial project proponents on issues of CEQA compliance.
• Represents oil and gas companies in CEQA litigation, local agency oil and gas ordinances, title opinions, permitting issues and leases.
• Represents mining companies regarding environmental due diligence for mine acquisitions.
• Represents mining companies regarding California's pit backfill requirements.
• Represents mining companies in complying with the California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act and federal mining laws.
• Represents developers, vineyards and mining companies in complying with California lake and streambed alteration requirements, including negotiating Streambed Alteration Agreements.
• Represents developers and mining companies in obtaining Clean Water Act Section 404 permits for fill activities.
• Represents developers and vineyards in obtaining Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certifications from State and Regional Water Quality Control Boards, including drafting appeals of water quality certification determinations.
• Represents mining companies in determining vested rights status.
• Represents private project proponents in litigation regarding CEQA compliance and design review.

Professional Honors & Activities

• Member, California Independent Petroleum Association
• Member, Sacramento Petroleum Association
• Member, California Construction and Industrial Materials Association
• Member, Environmental Law Section, Sacramento County Bar Association
• Member, Environmental Law Section, State Bar of California
• Member, Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation

Presentations

• PITFALL - "Landman Harry's Adventure in California's Land Use Jungle," Bakersfield Association of Petroleum Landmen, Nov. 17, 2009
• "National Environmental Policy Act" and "Wetlands Regulations," Lorman Education Services, Zoning and Land Use in California, 2005
• "2004 Mining Law Update," American Association of Professional Landmen, 2005
• "2003 Mining Law Update," American Association of Professional Landmen, 2004
• "2002 Mining Law Update," American Association of Professional Landmen, 2003
• "Streambed Alteration Agreements and Notifications," Construction Materials Association Conference, 2003
• "How to Avoid a Prop. 65 Lawsuit," Construction Materials Association of California Operators Conference for the Construction Materials Industry, 1999

Publications

• Co-author, "State Supreme Court Sets Environmental Baseline," The Daily Journal, Apr. 1, 2010
• Co-author, "2000 Year in Review," Public Lands Section, American Bar Association
• Co-author, "1999 Year in Review," Public Lands Section, American Bar Association

Education

• University of California, Davis, School of Law, J.D., 1998
• University of Texas, Austin, B.A.A., 1982

Admissions

• California

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