Press Releases

Goulston & Storrs Launches Climate Change Resilience Task Force

February 12, 2014Press Releases

Multidisciplinary Team to Help Clients Address Far-Reaching Impacts of Climate Change

Goulston & Storrs is pleased to announce the launch of its Climate Change Resilience Task Force, formed to counsel diverse clients on how to navigate the legal and business uncertainties arising from emerging issues relative to climate change.

In the wake of Superstorm Sandy and other recent climate events, the effects of climate change are top of mind for businesses and institutions of all types. The formation of this Goulston & Storrs team coincides with ongoing discussions on the far-reaching effects of the proposed Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) new flood zone maps, shifting coastal flood zones inland, as well as the January 2014 announcement by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick who recently earmarked $52 million in state funding to study and combat the effects of climate change.

“Zoning laws and regulations guiding development and redevelopment are evolving, and the risk considerations for business and property owners are changing exponentially,” said Alan M. Reisch, a director at Goulston & Storrs and member of the Climate Change Resilience Task Force. “It is time for businesses across the country, and especially those in defined flood zones, to take a fresh look at their exposures, understand their combined risks and assess the costs of not planning wisely for the changes that have already become manifest, and those that are projected,” Reisch continued.

Matthew J. Kiefer, also a Goulston & Storrs director and Task Force member, said, “As climate change becomes an increasing focus of regulatory initiatives, we provide strategic counsel to help our clients understand the effects of these changes on their businesses and facilities and ensure that proper planning is in place to address climate change for the long term. While these are significant challenges, we help our clients at the leading edge of their industries find better solutions to these risks.”

Goulston & Storrs’ Climate Change Resilience Task Force advises business and property owners, hospitals and universities, developers, investors, environmental and planning professionals, insurance providers and policyholders, and financial institutions. The Task Force is comprised of lawyers and professionals from across the firm, including its commercial real estate, capital markets, corporate, environmental, green business, insurance, litigation, public law and policy, land use, regulatory, transportation, and tax practices and industry teams. Members also represent each of the markets that Goulston & Storrs serves, including Boston, New York and Washington, DC. Team members include Alan M. Reisch, Matthew J. Kiefer, Peter D. Corbett, Jonathan Z. Pearlson, Kitt Sawitsky and Len Freiman, all based in Goulston & Storrs’ Boston office; Bruce P. Meyerson, based in the firm’s New York office; and Timothy H. Watkins, based in Goulston & Storrs’ Washington, DC office.

Goulston & Storrs’ Climate Change Resilience Task Force will address many of these topics in the coming months through a series of client advisories, events and panel discussions, and other external communications. To learn more, visit our Climate Change Resilience resource page to sign up for timely news updates and learn about upcoming events.