Today, leading environmental attorney Michael J. Malmquist was presented the Edward W. Clyde Distinguished Service Award by the Energy, Natural Resources & Environment Law (ENREL) Section of the Utah State Bar. This prestigious award is given to attorneys based on their overall contributions to the ENREL Section of the Bar and to the practice of environmental law. Malmquist has been a member of the ENREL section for many years and served as past ENREL chairperson. He was also awarded Lawyer of the Year by the section in 2010.
“I am greatly honored to receive the Distinguished Service Award from the ENREL Section of the Utah State Bar, an organization of my peers that I’ve been associated with for more than 30 years,” says Malmquist. “I’m extremely proud and humbled to join the ranks of those who have received the award in the past, many of whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and at times against, and learning from, over all these the years. I hope that in the balance, the work I’ve done as a natural resources and energy attorney has not only served my clients well but has also helped to minimize the impacts that are inherent in many of the projects I’ve worked on over the years. Again, I am most honored to receive this award.”
One of Parsons Behle & Latimer’s (Parsons) preeminent environmental and natural resources attorneys, Malmquist has assisted clients in developing renewable energy, mining, transportation and other projects by advising them on environmental regulation and strategies. He has defended projects against permit appeals and lawsuits involving claims under National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water and Air Acts and other federal and state environmental, wildlife and public land laws. He has performed environmental and title diligence for various energy and natural resource acquisitions and mergers. Prior to joining Parsons, Malmquist practiced with the U.S. Department of Justice in matters involving NEPA, the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act and various Indian law and water law issues.
Parsons’ attorney Joseph D. Kesler nominated Malmquist. He says, “Mike has been heavily involved in the ENREL Section of the Utah Bar for his entire career. He has mentored many of the natural resources lawyers both inside and outside his firm. He brings his sense of curiosity and adventure to everything he does, whether it is exploring over just one more hill while out bird watching or digging into the finest details of a project. This makes him a great lawyer and an even greater person.”
Parsons’ environmental and natural resources practice Chairperson Michael A. Zody says, “Mike is truly deserving of this recognition. He has been a leader in the ENREL space his entire career, serving in leadership positions in many key legal and industry organizations. Mike has been a great mentor and leader at our firm, setting an example with his deep engagement on client issues and creative problem solving. We count ourselves lucky to have practiced law with him and to call him our friend. Congrats Mike.”
