John H. Johnston joined Steptoe & Johnson in 2001 as a member of the Energy and Environmental and Regulatory Practice Groups. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Johnston was employed with the Department of Environmental Protection where he served in various capacities including: Chief of the Office of Air Quality; Chief of Abandoned Mine Lands and Reclamation; Chief of the Office of Oil and Gas; and Deputy Director. While with the Department of Environmental Protection, Mr. Johnston provided oral and written testimony to state and federal committees and agencies on oil and gas and air quality related issues. He assisted in drafting legislation to reduce the cost of plugging wells and worked for its enactment. Mr. Johnston also drafted legislation at the request of delegates, rendered legal opinions on legislation, and provided oral and written advice to committees regarding legislation during his time as one of the Counsels to the House Judiciary Committee of the West Virginia Legislature. While at Steptoe & Johnson, he has represented clients seeking air permits, water permits and has negotiated bonding and compliance orders. He is a member of the firm’s Toxic and Mass Tort Team.

Regulatory Compliance
Mr. Johnston's practice involves:

• Appeal of administrative and civil penalties
• Permit revocation and forfeiture hearings
• UST, CWA, and CAA enforcement actions
• Oil and gas drilling and related issues
• Coal bed methane
• Air permitting
• Representation before state and federal environmental agencies
• Lobbying

Mr. Johnston is past Chair of the West Virginia State Bar Environmental Committee; a member of the Board of Directors for the Air and Waste Management Association; and a member of the commerce committee for the Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia. He was past Chair of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission's Environmental Committee.   Mr. Johnston is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America in the field of oil and gas law.

Mr. Johnston is a member of the West Virginia State Bar Association and the North Carolina Bar. 

EDUCATION

Mr. Johnston received his legal education from West Virginia University. He also received his undergraduate and Master of Science degrees in civil engineering from West Virginia University. Mr. Johnston is a registered professional engineer.