Susan is a leading advisor in the energy and transportation infrastructure space. Her practice encompasses a wide range of infrastructure assets and she provides comprehensive counsel to public, private and nonprofit entities on critical issues impacting the energy and transportation infrastructure sector.

Representing clients across the industry, Susan provides counsel on the regulatory & compliance requirements associated with the following laws, regulations and federal programs, among others:

• Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)
• Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the domestic content requirements
• Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA)
• Buy American Act
• Trade Agreements Act
• CHIPS for America Act (CHIPS)
• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
• Cargo Preference Act
• Davis-Bacon Act
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Affirmative Action Plan requirements under Executive Order 11246.

Susan represents energy and transportation infrastructure clients evaluating, negotiating and securing grants, cooperative agreements and loans from the DOE, DOT and other agencies. In addition, Susan assists clients facing audits, disputes, investigations and enforcement actions.

Before joining Akin, Susan served as counsel to the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and as counsel for investigations and oversight to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Energy and Transportation Infrastructure

Susan advises clients that receive federal financial assistance in the form of grants, loans and cooperative agreements for energy and transportation infrastructure projects and contractors who provide goods and services to projects that receive federal financial assistance.

Susan has a deep understanding of the laws and regulations applicable to federal funding of energy & renewable energy, road, bridge, port, rail and transit infrastructure, including domestic content requirements, NEPA requirements, permitting regulations, procurement laws and grant administration requirements.

Susan provides a range of services, from pursuit of grants, loans and cooperative agreements, and complying with federal conditions, to responding to audits and enforcement actions. She also advises on procurements and contract disputes.

Susan assists clients applying for and securing low-cost loans from DOE and DOT, including advising on the process for securing a loan and the conditions on loans.

Automotive & Autonomous Vehicles

Susan advises clients regarding compliance with laws and regulations governing automakers and equipment suppliers, including autonomous vehicles (AVs). She represents clients subject to NHTSA safety-related defect investigations, vehicle recalls and enforcement actions. Susan provides guidance regarding importation of vehicles in compliance with NHTSA regulations. She also advises clients regarding compliance with the laws affecting AVs at the federal and state levels.

Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and Hazardous Materials Regulations

Susan advises motor carriers regarding compliance with FMCSA regulations and Hazardous Materials Regulations. She advises motor carriers and shippers regarding compliance with the broad range of laws and regulations, including marking and packaging of hazardous materials, placarding, compliance with hours of service regulations, DOT registration and reporting requirements, drug and alcohol testing requirements, and in investigation and enforcement matters. She also has obtained exemptions and challenged adverse decisions.

Airports & Aviation

Susan represents airports, airlines, airport developers, concessionaires and fixed-base operators.