Michael G. Cooke

Board Certified in State & Federal Government and Administrative Practice, Michael G. Cooke concentrates his practice in administrative law, including environmental, utility, and land use law. He represents industrial, agricultural, banking, government, and developer clients on matters involving clean air, climate change, electric generating facilities, renewable energy, telecommunications, utility plant and transmission line siting, water, and wastewater issues and permitting and zoning matters.

From 2003 to 2006, Michael was the Director of the Division of Air Resource Management for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. In this position, he managed the air quality program for the State of Florida, interacting with federal and local agencies and over-seeing permitting and enforcement matters and the development of state air regulations. Michael also served as General Counsel for the Florida Public Service Commission in Tallahassee from 2006 through 2008. His responsibilities at the Public Service Commission included conduct of rate cases, rulemaking, enforcement proceedings, and decision-making involved with policy issues regarding nuclear facility site cost recovery and renewable energy.

Michael has represented clients in connection with numerous environmental regulatory matters, particularly in air permitting and compliance issues. He has represented electric utilities, manufacturing, and agricultural entities in connection with various Title V and New Source Review matters. He is well versed in CERCLA, RCRA, TSCA, water, and solid waste matters.

Michael is serving his second term on the State & Federal Government Administrative Practice Certification Committee of The Florida Bar. Certification is the highest level of recognition by The Florida Bar of an attorney’s competency and experience within an area of law and an attorney’s commitment to professionalism and ethics in practice.

Concentrations

•Environmental
•Federal and State Air Regulation
•Permitting and Enforcement
•Utility and Rate Regulation
•Land Use & Zoning
•Energy
•Carbon Credits
•Climate Change

Recognition & Leadership

Awards & Accolades

•Listed, Florida Trend Legal Elite, Environmental & Land Use, 2015-2018
•Team Member, U.S. News - Best Lawyers, Best Law Firms Edition, Law Firm of the Year, Environmental Law, 2016
•Listed, Who's Who Legal, Environmental, 2017-2018
•Associate Editor, Catholic University Law Review
•Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Federal & State Government and Administrative practice
•Rated, AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0