HEATHER PALMER has extensive experience advising clients in the oil and gas, refining, chemicals, manufacturing, power and renewables sectors on environmental compliance and the allocation of environmental liabilities in mergers and acquisitions. Heather also leads the Sidley Environmental group’s work in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters.
Heather’s practice focuses on environmental law, counseling clients on regulatory requirements, assisting them in the evaluation and negotiation of corporate and real estate transactions, supporting them in the development of environmental management systems (EMS), and advising them on ESG issues and environmental disclosure requirements. Her energy industry experience includes onshore and offshore oil and gas regulation, permitting and operation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, hydraulic fracturing, solid and hazardous wastes, oil and gas wastes, environmental remediation, water quality, water rights, wetlands, endangered species and compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). She also advises clients on the environmental aspects of bankruptcy matters, including the transfer of assets through Section 363 sales.
Heather plays a strategic role in advising clients on a broad range of ESG issues and related risks, including the disclosure of climate change risks in SEC filings, the review of shareholder proposals relating to ESG topics, the development of corporate ESG programs and goals, the establishment of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets, the preparation of sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports, and the sustainable sourcing of products and raw materials.
Heather has been acknowledged in numerous industry publications. She was featured in Chambers USA for Texas Environment (2006–2012, 2016–2020). The Legal 500 United States recognized her for Energy: Transactional (2015–2016) and Environment: Litigation (2014) and in Best Lawyers for Environmental Law (2009–2020). She was featured in Texas Super Lawyers (2010–2015, 2019-2020) and named a “Rising Star” (2006–2008). Heather was recognized as a leading lawyer by Lawdragon 3000 Leading Lawyers in the United States (2010–2011). She was named a “Houston Top Lawyer” by H Texas in 2007.
Clients describe Heather as “a very thoughtful environmental lawyer and a good partner to have on tough deals” and commend her as “a true expert” who “understands the regulatory complexities of the oil and gas industry while also having the ability to put that into a strategic vision.” Chambers USA for Texas Environment (2020).