Susan advises companies regulated by DOT regarding compliance with laws and regulations and in investigations and enforcement actions, including clients in the automotive sector, motor carriers and businesses involved in the transportation of hazardous materials.

Susan also advises clients pursuing federal grants, loans and cooperative agreements for infrastructure projects from DOT, DOE and other agencies and contractors that contract with recipients of such funding. She advises clients pursuing grants and loans regarding the application process and compliance obligations and advises clients being audited, investigated and subject to enforcement actions.

Susan is experienced representing clients before the:

• DOT
• NHTSA
• FMCSA
• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
• Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• DOE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• U.S. Congress.

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

Automotive & Autonomous Vehicles

Susan advises clients regarding compliance with laws and regulations governing automakers and equipment suppliers, including autonomous vehicles (AV). She represents clients subject to NHTSA safety-related defect investigations, vehicle recalls and enforcement actions. She 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 on compliance with FMCSA regulations and Hazardous Materials Safety 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. She is experienced with the applicable laws and regulations, including FAA grant assurances, consumer protection, and procurement rules,

Transportation & Energy Infrastructure

Susan advises clients that receive federal financial assistance in the form of grants, loans and cooperative agreements for transportation and energy 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 road, bridge, port, rail, transit and renewable energy infrastructure, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements, permitting regulations, procurement laws, domestic content requirements and grant administration requirements.

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

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