Attorneys Robert P. Cheney

Print this page

attorney photo for print
shareholder | Manchester, NH

Bob has been a member of Sheehan Phinney since 1992. Prior to that, Bob served from 1981 to 1992 in the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office. During his tenure Bob worked in the Attorney General’s Environmental Bureau and was chief of the Environmental Bureau from 1984-1988.

While Associate Attorney General from 1989-1992, Bob also served as general counsel to the Pease Development Authority (PDA) and the Pease Redevelopment Commission (PRC). His responsibilities included working with state agencies, the USAF, FAA, GSA, EPA, and the NH Congressional Delegation to establish policy, procedures, agreements and documents for the first Department of Defense base closure (Pease Air Force Base) under the Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1988. He also served as the primary drafter of legislation creating the PDA and PRC; negotiated leases with prospective PDA tenants and prepared related legal documents; negotiated for the State the Pease Federal Facility Agreement under CERCLA; coordinated ongoing environmental compliance issues related to NEPA, CERCLA and CAA for the PDA; and assisted the Executive Director in daily agency management including strategic planning, hiring of consultants and personnel, and coordination with federal agencies.

Since coming to Sheehan Phinney, Bob’s practice has focused on regulatory matters, primarily relating to environmental and energy permitting and compliance, governmental affairs, and U.S. export control licensing and compliance.

Key Cases

  • Serves since 2001 as special legal counsel to the Pease Development Authority in regulatory and compliance matters involving the Pease International Tradeport and the Port of New Hampshire; advised regarding completion of the fee transfer of the former Pease Air Force Base to the State of New Hampshire; provided drafting assistance to the PDA and legislative committees relative to the merger of the PDA and the NH Port Authority; advises regarding development of Division of Ports & Harbors’ rules governing pilotage, moorings and state-owned commercial piers; provides legal counsel regarding compliance with air, waste, wetlands, stormwater and surface water requirements.
  • Represents New Hampshire manufacturers, power generators and other businesses in permitting and enforcement matters before the NH Department of Environmental Services and EPA relative to the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, TSCA, hazardous waste, solid waste, stormwater and wetlands regulation, and water rights issues.
  • Represents manufacturers and other businesses regarding licensing and regulatory issues relating to US export laws under ITAR, EAR and OFAC regulations.

Admissions

  • State of New Hampshire (state and federal)
  • New Hampshire Bar Association
  • American College of Environmental Lawyers

Civic Involvement

  • Commissioner, Lakeshore Redevelopment Planning Commission (appointed by Governor and Executive Counsel)
  • Board of Directors, NH Germanic Association
  • Board of Directors, Japan-America Society of New Hampshire

Awards

  • 2018 Friend of German Award, New England Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of German
  • 2004 New Hampshire Business and Industry Above and Beyond Award
  • 2001, One of Top Eight Environmental Lawyers in New Hampshire, New Hampshire Magazine
  • Chambers USA, Environment
  • Best Lawyers in America® 2001 Concord Lawyer of the Year, Environmental Law
  • Best Lawyers in America®, Energy Law, Environmental Law
  • New England Super Lawyer®, Environmental Law