B. Andrew Brown
PEOPLE

B. Andrew Brown

Partner
brown.andrew@dorsey.com

Overview

ANDY REPRESENTS CLIENTS IN LITIGATION, ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS, ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS AND COMPLEX NEGOTIATIONS IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.

Andy has represented electric utilities in contested case proceedings relating to state approvals required for the continued operation of nuclear power plants, advanced determination of prudence for coal-fired power plants, the rules governing the establishment of community solar gardens, and the use of the federal social costs of carbon. He has also represented a seed producer in litigation and administrative matters relating to the environmental review for the deregulation of genetically engineered organisms. Andy is known for developing case strategies that are well-grounded in both public policy and legal principles.

Andy is a Fellow in the American College of Environmental Lawyers. Before attending law school, he was Legislative Aide for energy policy to U.S. Senator Gary Hart.  Andy current serves as Vice Chair of the Minnesota Advisory Board for the Trust for Public Land.  Andy earlier served as the Board Chair of the Minnesota Environmental Initiative, an organization that promotes partnerships involving government, business and environmental advocacy groups to address challenging environmental issues.

Andy is the former Chair of Dorsey’s Regulatory Affairs Group.

Education & Admissions

Duke University School of Law (J.D., 1986)

Duke University Graduate School (M.A., Philosophy, 1986)

Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University (M.P.A., 1981)

Stanford University (B.A. History, 1979)

Admissions

  • Minnesota
  • District of Columbia
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
  • U.S. District Courts for Minnesota, the Northern District of Illinois, the District of Columbia, and Maryland

News & Resources

Articles

U.S. District Court for Montana Enjoins Key Army Corps of Engineers' General Permit for Energy Infrastructure Projects
Eighth Circuit Upholds Minnesota Incumbent Utilities’ Right of First Refusal to Build and Own Transmission Facilities that Connect to their Existing Facilities
Clarifying “Muddy Waters:” EPA and Army Corps Propose Revisions to the Scope of CWA Jurisdiction
Member of the Month: Dorsey & Whitney
Dorsey Partner Andy Brown Highlights Dorsey's Dedication to Energy, Agriculture and Clean Technology in Environmental Initiative
Supreme Court Upholds EPA’s Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
Administration Announces Climate Change Action Plan, Development of CO2 Standards for Existing Power Plants
New Pole Attachment Rules in 2011: New Requirements and Opportunities for Utilities
Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments in Challenge to Genetically Engineered Alfalfa
Climate Change and The Clean Air Act: Proposed Endangerment Finding and Implications For New Source Review
Energy Provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Of 2009
Brown, Sisk, Peterkin, Paula Examine President-Elect Obama's Energy Plans
Mutual Fund Investigations

News & Press Mentions

200 Dorsey Lawyers Selected for Inclusion in 2024 Best Lawyers in America, Lawyers of the Year, and Ones to Watch
Super Lawyers Recognizes 27 Dorsey Attorneys in Minneapolis
Super Lawyers Recognizes 26 Dorsey Lawyers in Minneapolis
Super Lawyers Recognizes 29 Dorsey Lawyers in Minneapolis
Super Lawyers Recognizes 38 Dorsey Lawyers in Minneapolis
Super Lawyers Recognizes 41 Dorsey Lawyers in Minneapolis
54 Dorsey Lawyers in Minneapolis Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2019 and 2019 Lawyers of the Year
Super Lawyers Recognizes 36 Dorsey Lawyers in Minneapolis
51 Dorsey Lawyers in Minneapolis Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2018 and 2018 Lawyers of the Year
Super Lawyers Recognizes 36 Dorsey Lawyers in Minneapolis
48 Dorsey Lawyers in Minneapolis and Fargo Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2017 and 2017 Lawyers of the Year
Super Lawyers Recognizes 37 Dorsey Lawyers in Minneapolis
45 Dorsey Lawyers in Minneapolis and Fargo Selected for Inclusion in "The Best Lawyers in America®" 2016 and "Best Lawyers of the Year"
Super Lawyers Recognizes 39 Dorsey Lawyers in Minneapolis
Dorsey Partner Andy Brown Remarks on Decision to Defer Carbon “Cost” Planning
97 Dorsey Lawyers Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2015 and 2015 Lawyers of the Year
Super Lawyers Recognizes 39 Dorsey Lawyers in Minneapolis
Super Lawyers Recognizes 39 Dorsey Lawyers in Minneapolis

Industries & Practices

  • Asia-Pacific
  • Banking & Financial Institutions
  • Cooperative Law
  • Development & Infrastructure
  • Electric Power
  • Energy & Natural Resources
  • Environmental
  • Food, Beverage & Agribusiness
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Project Development & Finance
  • Public-Private Partnerships
  • Sustainability

Professional & Civic

Professional Achievements

  • Vice Chair, Board Member, Minnesota Trust for Public Land Advisory Board, 2015‐Present
  • Chair, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives' Legal, Tax & Accounting Environmental Laws & Regulation Committee, 2006-Present
  • Chair of Board of Directors, Minnesota Environmental Initiative, 2008-2009
  • Board Member, Minnesota Environmental Initiative, 2001-2010
  • Board Member, Minnesota Citizens League, 1996-2002, 2003-2006
  • Co-Chair, Citizens League Energy Committee, 2001-2002
  • Member, American Bar Association Environment, Energy and Resources Section
  • Former Chair, Minnesota State Bar Association, Environmental and Natural Resources Section
  • Member, Hennepin County Bar Association's Environmental Committee

Accolades

  • Listed in Best Lawyers in America©, 2007-2024
  • Listed in Minnesota Super Lawyers®, 2003-2008, 2010-2023

     Contributed 100+ Pro Bono Hours in 2021 Contributed 100+ Pro Bono Hours in 2020

  • Contributed more than 100 Challenge pro bono hours, 2020-2021

     North Star Lawyer

  • MSBA North Star Lawyer, 2020
  • Named "Minneapolis Litigation - Environmental Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers©, 2011, 2015, 2018 and 2020
  • Voted "Board Member of the Year" by Minnesota Environmental Initiative, 2008
  • Humphrey Fellow, University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Government, 1992-1993
  • Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award for Outstanding Service to Undergraduate Education, Stanford University, 1979
  • Fellow, American College of Environmental Lawyers
  • Listed in Who's Who in America
B. Andrew Brown