Skip to Content

Paul Recupero is Of Counsel in the firm’s Environmental and Energy, Renewables and Utilities departments. He counsels clients on a broad range of environmental, regulatory, and real estate matters, helping businesses navigate complex federal, state, and local environmental laws and compliance obligations. His practice includes advising on permitting, regulatory compliance, risk management, litigation and enforcement defense, sustainability initiatives, and environmental due diligence in connection with mergers and acquisitions, financing events, remediation agreements, and complex commercial property transactions.

He also assists clients in developing practical strategies to address renewable energy development, emerging climate regulations, wetlands and endangered species issues, environmental disclosures, and industry-specific regulatory requirements while advancing their operational and business objectives.

Areas of Concentration:

  • Coastal waterfront and Wetlands permitting and compliance
  • Site remediation and redevelopment
  • Air, water and solid waste permitting and compliance
  • Real Estate and Environmental due diligence
  • Endangered Species Act compliance
  • Renewable Energy Transactions
  • Siting and Permitting

Practice Areas

Environmental Environmental Assessment Environmental Evaluations Review Environmental Permitting and Regulatory Compliance Energy, Renewables and Utilities Renewable Energy Siting and Permitting Municipal, Zoning, Land Use and Permitting Right-Of-Way (ROW)/ Easement Environmental Litigation Real Estate Purchase and Sales Transactions

Admissions

  • New York
  • New Jersey

Education

  • J.D., Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, Magna Cum Laude, 2018
  • B.A., University of Connecticut, 2013

Representative Experience

  • Represented a large-scale redeveloper in the acquisition and redevelopment of environmentally impacted industrial property involving complex remediation, waterfront development, and wetlands compliance issues. Directed environmental due diligence, analyzed title and survey matters, and negotiated purchase agreement provisions addressing environmental liabilities, representations and warranties, indemnification obligations, and post-closing remediation responsibilities to facilitate successful redevelopment.
  • Represented a renewable energy developer in connection with a multi-site utility-scale solar portfolio involving site control, easements, interconnection coordination, and permitting strategy across multiple jurisdictions. Negotiated key transaction documents, resolved title and land use issues affecting project valuation and development certainty, and advised on wetlands, stormwater, and local land use requirements impacting project timelines.
  • Represented a manufacturing company in complex private cost-recovery litigation under the Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the New Jersey Spill Compensation and Control Act, and related common-law claims. Counseled the client regarding compliance with the Industrial Site Recovery Act (ISRA), site investigation and remediation strategy, and the sale and subdivision of contaminated property for brownfield redevelopment.
  • Successfully defended one of the nation’s largest defense contractors in connection with alleged violations of the New Jersey Air Pollution Control Act (N.J.S.A. 26:2C-1 et seq.), developing regulatory compliance strategies and assisting in the resolution of enforcement issues.
  • Counseled numerous clients regarding alleged violations of the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) permit program. Negotiated favorable administrative consent orders with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and developed corrective action strategies designed to minimize regulatory exposure, reduce potential penalties, and achieve compliance with applicable environmental requirements.
  • Represented a leading construction company in connection with an EPA Notice of Violation alleging noncompliance with the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. Directed a comprehensive compliance gap assessment, implemented corrective compliance measures, and advised the client through resolution of the enforcement matter.
  • Counseled developers and commercial clients on environmental permitting strategies for projects affecting wetlands, coastal resources, and protected species. Advised on compliance with federal and state wetlands and coastal permitting requirements, endangered species regulations, and related environmental review processes, working closely with technical consultants and regulatory agencies to mitigate permitting risk and maintain project schedules.
  • Represented purchasers, sellers, developers, and corporate clients in environmental due diligence associated with acquisitions and dispositions of commercial real estate, corporate assets, and equity interests. Advised clients on environmental risk allocation, regulatory compliance, and transactional strategies to mitigate environmental liabilities.
  • Represented clients in complex matters involving liability allocation and cost recovery arising from petroleum discharges and hazardous substance releases, including claims involving private parties and governmental regulatory agencies.
  • Represented landlords, tenants, purchasers, sellers, and developers in the acquisition, disposition, leasing, and subleasing of commercial real estate, negotiating and structuring transactions involving sophisticated title, environmental, and land use considerations.

Professional and Community Activities

  • Environmental American Inn of Court
  • New York Bar Association
  • New Jersey Bar Association
  • American Bar Association, Section of Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources
  • International Wildlife Volunteer – Served as volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation and orphanage center in Zimbabwe, assisting with the care and rehabilitation of injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife while supporting conservation and habitat preservation efforts.

News & Insights