Michael G. Cooke concentrates his practice in administrative law, including environmental, utility, and land use law. He represents industrial, agricultural, banking, government, and developer clients on matters involving clean air, water, wastewater, climate change, utility plant and transmission line siting, electric generating facilities, renewable energy, and telecommunications issues.
From 2003 to 2006, Michael was the Director of the Division of Air Resource Management for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. In this position, he managed the air quality program for the State of Florida, interacting with federal and local agencies and overseeing permitting and enforcement matters and the development of state air regulations. Michael also served as General Counsel for the Florida Public Service Commission in Tallahassee from 2006 through 2008. His responsibilities at the Public Service Commission included conduct of rate cases, rulemaking, enforcement proceedings, and decision-making involved with policy issues regarding nuclear facility site cost recovery and renewable energy.
Michael has represented clients in connection with numerous environmental regulatory matters, including, in particular, air permitting and compliance issues. He has represented electric utilities, manufacturing, and agricultural entities in connection with various Title V and New Source Review matters. In addition, he has represented automobile, building products, electronics, and other manufacturing companies in various CERCLA, RCRA, TSCA, water, and solid waste matters. He advised a U.S. manufacturer regarding environmental requirements applicable to its facilities located in Mexico and, in particular, assisted the company in developing its program for ensuring compliance with RCRA disposal requirements and other transborder issues.
Michael received his B.S. with distinction from George Mason College of the University of Virginia, his M.S. from George Mason University, and his J.D. from the Catholic University of America Law School where he was Associate Editor of the Catholic University Law Review.
He is a member of The Florida Bar and is Board Certified in State and Federal Government and Administrative Practice. He also is a member of the Michigan Bar.
Areas of Concentration
· Environmental
· Government Affairs
· Land Use & Zoning
· Energy
Awards & Recognition
· Associate Editor of the Catholic University Law Review
· Rated, AV® Preeminent™ 5.0 out of 5
Previous Employment
· Environmental Attorney, Office of General Counsel, General Motors Corporation (1985 - 1992)
Other Experience
· Information Policy and Legislation Specialist, Energy Information Administration, U.S. Department of Energy
· Assistant Professor, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
Articles, Publications, & Lectures
· "Helping Electric Utility Clients Manage New Climate Change Issues and Concerns," Inside the Minds, The Legal Impact of Climate Change, 2011 Edition, Thomson Reuters/Aspatore
· Florida Chamber's 26th Annual Growth Management, Energy, Climate Change and the Environment Short Course
· Florida Department of Environmental Protection Central District's 13th Annual Power Generation Conference
· Chapter 35, "Florida," Brownfields: A Comprehensive Guide to Redeveloping Contaminated Property, Second Edition, American Bar Association, Section of Environment, Energy and Resources (2002)
· "An Evolving Model for Judicial Review of Environmental Safety and Health Rulemaking: Small Refiners Lead Phase-Down Task Force v. EPA," 33 C.U.L.R. 1027 (1984)