John Johnston focuses his practice in the areas of energy and environmental law. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Johnston was employed with the Department of Environmental Protection, where he served in various capacities including Chief of the Office of Air Quality, Chief of Abandoned Mine Lands and Reclamation, Chief of the Office of Oil and Gas, and Deputy Director. While with the Department of Environmental Protection, Mr. Johnston provided oral and written testimony to state and federal committees and agencies on oil and gas and air-quality-related issues. While at Steptoe & Johnson, he has represented clients seeking air permits and water permits and has negotiated bonding and compliance orders.
AREAS OF CONCENTRATION
- Regulatory compliance
- Energy
- Environmental law
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2001 Steptoe & Johnson
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Registered Professional Engineer
- Past Chair, Environmental Committee, West Virginia State Bar
INDUSTRY/ CIVIC MEMBERSHIPS
- Board of Directors, Air & Waste Management Association
- Commerce Committee, Independent Oil & Gas Association of West Virginia
- Past Chair, Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission’s Environmental Committee
AWARDS / HONORS
- The Best Lawyers in America®
PUBLICATIONS / SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- Mr. Johnston assisted in drafting legislation to reduce the cost of plugging wells and worked for its enactment.
- Mr. Johnston also drafted legislation at the request of delegates, rendered legal opinions on legislation, and provided oral and written advice to committees regarding legislation during his time as one of the Counsels to the House Judiciary Committee of the West Virginia Legislature.