Thomas Machell

Thomas Machell has a general energy regulatory practice with broad experience in the areas of project development, utility rates and tolling matters as well as environmental, Indigenous and surface rights law. Thomas has assisted clients in proceedings before various federal and provincial administrative tribunals including the Canada Energy Regulator, the Alberta Utilities Commission, the Alberta Energy Regulator, the Natural Resources Conservation Board, the Environmental Appeals Board and the Land and Property Rights Tribunal. Thomas has also acted for clients in connection with matters at all levels of the Alberta courts including appeals and judicial reviews.

Thomas routinely assists clients with:

• obtaining regulatory approvals for a variety of energy and natural resource development projects including pipelines, wells, facilities, power transmission lines and mines;
• negotiating and acquiring surface rights dispositions for energy projects as well as navigating surface rights compensation proceedings; and
• responding to regulatory enforcement and compliance matters arising from environmental and operational incidents.

In addition, Thomas frequently provides advice on the environmental and regulatory aspects of corporate transactions involving assets and companies in the oil and gas, energy infrastructure, mining and renewable energy industries. Thomas also has experience drafting and negotiating impact benefit agreements between project proponents and Indigenous groups.

Before becoming an associate at Bennett Jones, Thomas summered and articled with the firm. During his articles, he was seconded to the Calgary office of a large integrated oil and gas company. Thomas previously worked as an engineer at a number of surface mines in western Canada. As a former engineer, Thomas leverages his technical background to provide clients with practical advice on all aspects of their projects.