M. STANFORD BLANTON is the co-leader of the Firm's Energy Practice Group. His practice is focused on the representation of the owners, operators and purchasers of electric generating facilities, with special emphasis on nuclear regulation and policy. He has represented owners and operators of nuclear reactors in matters involving licensing, construction, and acquisitions of nuclear reactors, renewal of plant licenses, fuel cycle issues and enforcement proceedings and investigations. Blanton represents the owner and operator of the first new nuclear reactors ordered in the United States in thirty years on matters ranging from the formation of contracts for the design and construction of the facilities to the application for combined operating licenses. He also represents several utilities in the prosecution of claims against the United States Government arising out of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, and regularly provides clients and industry groups with advice regarding nuclear policy matters before the Congress and federal agencies. Blanton has also represented the firm's clients in matters before Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Alabama Public Service Commission. He is also experienced in non-energy construction matters, ranging from the development of design and construction contract documents to the resolution of disputes.

Substantial Matters

• • General representation of owners and operator of nuclear reactors on full range of nuclear regulatory and policy issues, including licensing matters, nuclear security issues, investigations and enforcement proceedings, fuel procurement and spent nuclear fuel management.
  • Representation of developers of new Advanced Light Water Nuclear reactors in connection with engineering, procurement and construction contracts and applications for early site permit and combined operating licenses.
  • Representation of operator of boiling water reactors and pressurized water reactors in connection with the renewal of the facility operating licenses for the reactors.
  • Representation of former owners of nuclear power plants in claims against the United States arising out of Nuclear Waste Policy Act.
  • Representation of major nuclear operator regarding nuclear licensing and policy issues associated with construction and operation of advanced light water reactors.
  • Representation of owners of nuclear power plants in connection with claims against the United States arising out of violations of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act and breach of the contracts executed in accordance with the Act.
  • Representation of potential bidder on boiling water nuclear facility regarding due diligence, license transfer issues, and transaction structure.
  • Representation of purchasers of significant interest in two unit pressurized water nuclear facility, including advice during due diligence process, advice concerning transaction structure, coordination of and preparation of license transfer application.
    

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

• • American Bar Association, Vice Chairman, Atomic Energy Law Committee, Section of Public Utility, Communications and Transportation Law; Past Chairman, Subcommittee on Jury Instructions, Business Torts Committee; Member, Public Utility Section
  • Nuclear Energy Institute, Chairman, Lawyers Committee (2002-2006)
  • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America, 2007 Edition - Energy and Government Relations Law
  • Listed in Chambers USA America's Leading Lawyers for Business, Nuclear Energy, 2008
  • Listed in Alabama Super Lawyers, 2008
  • Edison Electric Institute
  • Alabama State Bar
  • Birmingham Bar Association
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