Robert L. Burns, Jr.

Robert L. Burns, Jr. is a shareholder at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC in Pittsburgh and a member of the firm’s Energy Section. He focuses on environmental law and its connection to energy development, construction, commercial transactions, manufacturing, waste, and natural resources. Robert advises energy producers, developers, lenders, manufacturers, and property owners on environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, acquisitions, financing, remediation, and the development of conventional and renewable energy projects.

Robert earned his J.D. from West Virginia University College of Law in 1994. He also received an M.S. in environmental engineering from Marshall University and bachelor’s degrees in aerospace engineering and English from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. His legal and technical education supports his ability to evaluate environmental risks, understand complex development projects, and provide practical guidance on regulatory, transactional, and construction matters.

Robert has advised clients on solar, wind, hydropower, coal, oil, and natural gas projects across several states. His experience includes environmental and regulatory diligence for project acquisitions and financings; appeals involving construction stormwater permits; wind farm leases; hydropower acquisitions; brownfield redevelopment; industrial property transactions; pipeline and compressor station permitting; and construction contracts for energy facilities. He also represents clients in disputes involving air, water, waste, contamination, and other environmental compliance issues.

Robert L. Burns, Jr., is a LEED Accredited Professional and has frequently spoken on environmental and regulatory matters affecting Marcellus Shale development and operations. He has also been named to the Pittsburgh Business Times’ “Who’s Who in Energy” list. Earlier in his career, he served as special counsel to the West Virginia Attorney General and the West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection and clerked for Chief Judge Charles H. Haden II of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. His background combines environmental law, engineering knowledge, and practical industry insight.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
• Member, Allegheny County Bar Association
• Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association
• Member, The West Virginia State Bar
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Energy & Mineral Law Foundation
• Member, American Institute of Architects

Licensed State

• Pennsylvania
• West Virginia

Education

• West Virginia University
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Marshall University
  Master of Science (MS)
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges