David P. Flynn

Partner
Buffalo; New York City; Canada; Chautauqua
(716) 847-5473
(212) 759-4888 ext. 5473, (519) 570-4800
dflynn@phillipslytle.com
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Mr. Flynn is the Practice Team Leader for the firm’s Environment Practice Team, as well as Co-Team Leader for the firm’s Energy, and Cryptocurrency & Bitcoin Mining Practice Teams. His practice is concentrated in the areas of environmental law, energy and emerging technologies. With respect to environmental law, Mr. Flynn concentrates on regulatory compliance, brownfield redevelopment and sediment remedial projects. He was involved in the first successful conversion of a former industrial brownfield into a modern manufacturing facility in New York State. In addition, Mr. Flynn advises clients on business development issues and the regulation of energy before state and federal authorities. He also advises clients on the development and siting of renewable energy facilities, licensing of hydropower projects, hydrogen projects and energy storage facilities. Most recently, Mr. Flynn began representing cryptocurrency firms on facility siting, regulatory and energy-related matters.

Additional Areas of Focus

START-UP NY Program

Admitted to Practice

  • New York
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of New York
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit

Honors and Awards

Chambers USA Badge 2022 - Flynn
  • Listed in City & State New York Energy & Environment Power 100, 2021-2022
  • Listed in Chambers USA: Americas Leading Lawyers for Business, 2010-2022
  • Selected for the Upstate New York Super Lawyers® list, 2013-2022
  • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America©
  • Listed in Who’s Who In Law, Business First of Buffalo and Buffalo Law Journal

Education

  • State University of New York at Buffalo Law School, J.D., cum laude, 1987
  • State University of New York at Buffalo, B.A., 1983

Professional Associations

  • American Bar Association
    • Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (SEER)
      • Environmental Transactions and Brownfields Committee
    • Infrastructure and Regulated Industries Section, Vice Chair 2009-2010
  • Bar Association of Erie County
  • Buffalo Law Review, Member, Publications Editor – 1987
  • Independent Oil & Gas Association
  • New York Solar Energy Industries Association
  • New York State Bar Association
    • Environmental Law Section

CORE COMPETENCIES

New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program

Counsel clients on the benefits of participating in the Brownfield Cleanup Program, including liability release and tax credits. Assist clients in the preparation of applications for participation in the Brownfield Cleanup Program. Participate in meetings with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to discuss application requirements, citizen participation, brownfield agreements, remedial investigation work plan, and remedy selection.

Energy

Counsel clients on applicability of NYSERDA and Department of Energy funding programs and tax-based incentives to renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and project development work related to such projects. Counsel clients on integrating sustainability and energy conservation measures into residential, commercial and industrial projects. Publication of articles on the legal issues related to carbon sequestration projects.

Solid and Hazardous Waste

Counsel clients on management of solid and hazardous waste to comply with federal and state statutes and regulations. Represent clients in state and federal administrative enforcement actions and voluntary remedial programs. Assist clients in the preparation and submittal of Beneficial Use Determination petitions to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for the beneficial reuse of solid waste materials. Counsel clients on potential liabilities associated with asbestos, lead-based paint, and PCBs.

Underground Storage Tank Regulations

Counsel clients on compliance with federal and state underground storage tank regulations, including registration, overfill protection, release detection, inventory monitoring, and testing requirements. Advise clients on potential liabilities associated with redevelopment of gasoline stations and other sites with existing and removed underground storage tanks.

Other Areas of Expertise

New Jersey Environmental Regulations – Counsel clients on potential liabilities associated with New Jersey’s Industrial Site Recovery Act and Site Remediation Reform Act.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Defense – Assist clients in preparing defenses and negotiating settlements to OSHA citations.

Present Activities

  • Zoological Society of Buffalo, Board of Directors, Chairman
  • ACORE, Member
    • Leadership Council Member
    • Northeast Regional Council
  • Incubators for Collaborating & Leveraging Energy And Nanotechnology (iCLEAN), Advisory Board Member
  • Amherst Chamber of Commerce
    • Immediate Past Chairman (2011-2012)
    • Board of Directors (2005-Present)
  • Burchfield Penney Art Center, Board of Trustees, Treasurer
  • Amherst Conservation, Recreation and Parks Foundation, Chairman (2004-2007) and Board Member (2003-2007)
  • Nativity of Mary Home School Association, Member, Past President (2001-2003)
  • State University of New York at Buffalo Law Alumni Association, Member (2005-Present)
  • Buffalo Regional Board of Review, Member
  • New York State Business Council Marcellus Shale Working Group, Member
  • Western New York Regional Economic Development Council
    • Energy Committee, Co-Chair
  • The Business Council of New York State, Member
    • Environmental Committee
    • Energy Committee

Past Activities

  • Contributing Editor and Chairman of the Editorial Advisory Board, RCRA Corrective Action Manual
  • Environmental Law Columnist, Business First of Buffalo