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Myles Culhane Strengthens Greenberg Traurig’s Energy Transition Efforts

Greenberg Traurig, a leading global law firm, has taken a significant step in enhancing its capabilities in the energy sector by welcoming Myles Culhane as a shareholder in its Sacramento office. With over 30 years of extensive experience in energy and environmental law, Culhane is expected to play a vital role in advancing the firm’s focus on energy transition and carbon capture technologies.

A New Chapter in Energy Transition

Myles Culhane previously served as deputy general counsel at Occidental Petroleum Corporation (Oxy) for the last 15 years, where he was deeply involved in various energy initiatives, particularly those focused on carbon dioxide capture and utilization. His transition to Greenberg Traurig comes at a pivotal moment when the legal and environmental landscape is rapidly evolving due to increased global emphasis on sustainable practices and the reduction of carbon footprints.

Culhane’s arrival is anticipated to bolster the firm’s ability to assist clients in navigating the intricate interplay of regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and emerging market opportunities related to carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS). Timothy Long, co-managing shareholder of the firm's Sacramento office, praised Culhane as an internationally recognized expert in the carbon capture field, which has seen exponential growth both in the United States and worldwide.

Culhane’s Expertise and Contributions

During his impressive tenure at Oxy, Culhane was instrumental in developing the company's Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) program while managing substantial compliance obligations. His work centered around innovative strategies such as the use of anthropogenic carbon dioxide for enhanced oil recovery, allowing Oxy to produce low-carbon crude oil and remain compliant with federal 45Q tax credit requirements.

Culhane's contributions extend to leading legal strategies for groundbreaking CCUS projects, including obtaining initial permits from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for carbon storage and CO2-EOR initiatives. His dual qualifications, holding a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School, uniquely position him to tackle complex regulatory challenges while maximizing revenue streams for clients as they adapt to new carbon market dynamics.

Strengthening Greenberg Traurig’s Global Platform

The addition of Myles Culhane aligns with Greenberg Traurig’s continuous global expansion of its Energy and Natural Resources platform, which has seen the inclusion of various experienced professionals across key regions. This diversification of expertise is essential as the firm aims to address the evolving challenges and opportunities brought about by the energy transition in diverse markets.

Culhane’s insight into the regulatory environment of the carbon transition sector will be invaluable for clients looking to optimize their sustainability commitments, ultimately translating them into long-lasting value. His perspective on the frontier of carbon capture technology and thorough knowledge of market mechanisms will further enhance the firm’s standing as a leader in this rapidly transforming industry.

A Vision for the Future

In his own words, Culhane expressed enthusiasm about joining Greenberg Traurig amid its strategic growth in the energy arena, emphasizing the potential of emerging markets within the energy transition landscape. He believes these new opportunities will allow clients to optimize their sustainability initiatives into significant economic advantages. With a collaborative approach and a robust global presence, Greenberg Traurig is well-equipped to guide clients through this critical period of transformation in the energy sector.

Greenberg Traurig continues to be recognized not only for its legal prowess and strategic insights but also for its commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation, and philanthropic efforts. As the firm looks toward the future, it remains dedicated to supporting its clients in navigating the complexities of energy transition and carbon management effectively.