Locke Lord Partner Ben Cowan Named to National Law Journal’s Energy & Environmental Trailblazers List

June 1, 2016 – Locke Lord Environmental Partner Ben Cowan has been named to the National Law Journal’s second annual list of Energy & Environmental Trailblazers. Cowan’s recognition highlights his experience and renown in endangered species and natural resources issues, particularly in the area of renewable energy.

Cowan was acknowledged for his advocacy and insight at the forefront of wind and energy development, and particularly for his work negotiating with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for the development of the Midwest Wind Energy Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) under the Endangered Species Act. The MSHCP, which is currently out for public comment, is an unprecedented conservation effort intended to streamline industry permitting for endangered bats, birds and eagles. It raises many new and challenging issues that have been the subject of extensive negotiation over the past six years. Cowan, whose environmental law practice focuses on regulatory and compliance matters affecting the energy industry, is highly knowledgeable and effective in such permitting issues and has been a key member of the wind industry’s negotiating team.

Cowan, conscious of the growing demand for clean energy among the business community and the public, was quoted by the National Law Journal editors saying, “It is going to be critical that we keep driving law and policy towards an appropriate balance between species conservation and clean energy development.” 

Cowan is a Partner in Locke Lord’s Houston office and leads the Firm’s climate change practice and coordinates its renewable energy practice. He has served as Chair of the Houston Bar Association’s Environmental Law Section, Chair of the Greater Houston Partnership Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Subcommittee, and Chair of The Clean Energy Leadership Alliance of Houston.

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