Well-known today in the nuclear industry, Art began his career with Troutman Sanders as an environmental lawyer and utilities law specialist. His early legal experience included long-term coal procurement, hazardous substances regulation, the Georgia Territorial Electric Service Act, and nuclear plant construction.
Since 1985, he has focused primarily on nuclear regulation, including representation of nuclear power plant licensees, nuclear material licensees, and commercial vendors in the nuclear industry. Representative clients range geographically from Maine to Florida and from New Jersey to California and vary from boards of directors and officers to plant operators and security guards.
He is familiar with the extensive, detailed regulatory schemes applicable to the nuclear industry, including the NRC’s Reactor Oversight Process, Significance Determination Process, ADR practices, Enforcement Policy, handling of allegations and investigations, license transfer and licensing processes.
In addition to his legal practice, Art has served on several boards and committees, including the boards of 21st Century Leaders and The Paidiea School, the City of Atlanta’s Tree Preservation Commission, and the Department of Energy’s Citizens Advisory Board for the Savannah River Site.
Representative Experience
Represented clients in a wide variety of environmental, natural resources and energy law matters.
Conducted environmental due diligence reviews associated with the transfer of property, including real estate, and advised clients on wetlands issues related to property development. Represented clients in federal “Superfund” proceedings and actions under the Georgia Hazardous Site Response Act.
Represented clients in DOJ, OSHA, NRC and EPA investigations and enforcement actions, including challenges to proposed civil penalties and other enforcement sanctions.
Served as nuclear energy counsel for nuclear plants since 1985, and frequently represents various Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensees in administrative agency licensing proceedings, investigations and enforcement actions, including Office of Investigations and Office of Enforcement matters.
Provides legal and strategic advice and analysis with respect to nuclear and environmental compliance matters, including guidance on legal requirements.
Has represented NRC-licensed operators and managers of nuclear power plants in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, New Jersey, Ohio, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Illinois in NRC investigations and enforcement matters.
Represented clients in the sale or transfer of interests in nuclear power plants including Vogtle and Hatch (Georgia), Clinton Nuclear Station (Illinois), Millstone (Connecticut), Nine Mile Point (New York) and Point Beach (Wisconsin).
Provided strategic advice to nuclear energy clients regarding new nuclear power plants, including federal and state licensing and certification.
Represented NRC licensees and contractors regarding physical security, access authorization and fitness for duty requirements and plans.
Lectures and Papers
Nuclear Power – Contributing to Our Energy Security, February, 2012, Speaker. Conference entitled “Striking the Right Balance: Energy Security in International Law”, University of Georgia School of Law, Dean Rusk Center, Athens, Georgia.
DOE’s Role in a Nuclear Energy Renaissance, September, 2010, Speaker. 30th Annual Bonbright Electric and Gas Conference, University of Georgia Terry School of Business, Atlanta, Georgia.
The Nuclear Energy Renaissance – A Partial Answer to Carbon Emissions, October, 2009, presented to Albany Law School of Union University, Environmental Law class of Professor Keith Hirokawa, Albany, New York.
Savannah River Site Citizens Advisory Board - A "Board's Eye View" of Cleanup. March, 2009. Presented to the Department of Energy Site Specific Advisory Board Chairs, Augusta, Georgia.
Sign Control – Past Wars, Future Battles, March, 2007. 19th Annual Red Clay Conference, University of Georgia School of Law, Athens, Georgia.
Attracting Pro Bono Legal Talent for Public Involvement Groups, February, 2007. 34th Annual Waste Management Symposium, Tucson, Arizona. Nominated for Best Session Paper.
Energy in the Southeast – Nuclear: Prospects for Renewed Acceptance as a Clean Fuel, November, 2006. Law Seminars, International, Atlanta, Georgia.
Spent Nuclear Fuel Accountability, March, 2006, Nuclear Energy Institute Lawyers’ Committee, Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 – Nuclear Power, November, 2005. Client Seminar, Washington, D.C.
Alternative Sources of Energy: The Nuclear Option. Panel Moderator/Speaker, October, 2005. 25th Annual Bonbright Electric and Gas Conference, University of Georgia Terry School of Business, Atlanta, Georgia.
Legal Standards for the Yucca Mountain Radioactive Waste Repository, October, 2003, University of Georgia Geology Department’s Journal Club, Athens, Georgia.
Evidentiary Basis for Discrimination Findings under the Atomic Energy Act, September, 2003, Employee Concerns Program Forum, Washington, DC.
Sign Control Strategies for Safety and Quality of Life, August, 2002. Celebrating Rural Georgia, Dublin, Georgia.
Nuclear Facility Decommissioning: End State Planning. Panel Moderator/Speaker, October, 2001. ANS Executive Conference, Foxwoods, Rhode Island.
Scientific Papers
Domby, A.H. and R.W. McFarlane. 1978. Feeding ecology of little blue herons at a radionuclide-contaminated reservoir. Wading Birds 7:361-364.
Domby, A.H., D. Paine, and R.W. McFarlane. 1977. Radiocesium dynamics in herons inhabiting a contaminated reservoir system. Health Physics 33:523-532.
Memberships
Mayor’s Tree Preservation Commission (City of Atlanta), 1991-1992. Served as a member of a Commission tasked with fact-finding and development of a consolidated and comprehensive City ordinance, including revision of existing ordinances to maintain the City’s tree canopy, to bring to the public’s attention the benefits of urban forestry and trees, and to prevent the cutting of mature trees. The Commission included representatives from commercial and residential developers, environmental groups, architects and attorneys, urban planners and foresters, and specialists on the City’s staff. Elements of the comprehensive tree preservation ordinance developed by the Commission are reflected in the extensive urban forest in Atlanta today.