DENVER COLORADO, March 18, 2005... Holland & Hart LLP announced today that former partner Tom Sansonetti, current Assistant Attorney General of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice, will re-join the firm of Holland & Hart LLP in their Cheyenne, Wyoming office on May 1, 2005.

"We are delighted to have Tom Sansonetti back at Holland & Hart," said Managing Partner Ed Flitton, III. "Tom brings a depth of knowledge and understanding of complex issues in all of the areas affecting our natural resources clients. His experience at the highest levels in the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior will be a great benefit to many of our clients."

Sansonetti was a partner of Holland & Hart LLP from 1996 through 2001. On December 31, 2001, Sansonetti accepted a Presidential appointment as the Assistant Attorney General of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice. As one of the top leaders in the Justice Department, he was deeply involved in responding to post-9/11 events, including working with the new Department of Homeland Security. He managed a budget of $115 million and supervised 650 employees including a legal staff of 425 attorneys.

He argued a case before the U.S. Supreme Court and several cases in the Federal Circuit Courts of Appeal, and served as a federal prosecutor in environmental crimes cases. He is a recognized expert in air quality, water rights, water quality, port security, the Endangered Species Act, surface mining, Indian law, natural resource damage assessments, takings, public lands management, Superfund, and many other areas of natural resources law.

Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales issued the following statement on the resignation of Assistant Attorney General Thomas L. Sansonetti of the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD):

"Tom Sansonetti vigorously enforced our nation's environmental laws during his tenure at the Department of Justice. Although our time together at the Department was short, our relationship as friends and colleagues dates back to the beginning of the Bush Administration when Tom returned to public service. I admire Tom's career accomplishments, value his interest in taking on new challenges, and thank him for his service to our nation, President Bush, and the pursuit of justice."

Sansonetti was confirmed by the United States Senate in November 2001 and presided over historic times in the ENRD. Under his leadership, the ENRD set new records in securing civil penalties and obtaining remedial action by polluters under environmental laws. Over the last four years, the ENRD promoted the health and safety of America's citizens, combated illegal shipments of hazardous materials, achieved significant progress in assuring cleaner water, obtained prison sentences for those who pollute the oceans, secured substantial Superfund settlements, and joined federal, state, and local efforts in cleaning up America's air and protecting its natural resources. Sansonetti's resignation will be effective April 8, 2005. (source: Department of Justice website)

From 1990 to 1993, Sansonetti was Solicitor of the Department of the Interior, the number three ranking position in DOI. During his tenure, he signed the $1.1B Exxon Valdez oil spill settlement, having served as one of the six federal negotiators. In 1993, he joined Holland & Hart's Cheyenne office, where he developed a national practice in natural resources and environmental law.

Active in politics, he served as Wyoming's Republican National Committeeman (1996-2001) and as General Counsel for the Republican National Committee (2000-2001). He was the chairman of the Republican Party in Wyoming from 1983-1987.

Sansonetti received a B.A. and M.B.A. from the University of Virginia in 1971 and 1973 respectively. In 1976, he received his J.D. from Washington & Lee University. He then opened a solo practice in Gillette, Wyoming and built a very successful general practice. While practicing there, he became involved in politics and also developed a strong interest in natural resources law.

Sansonetti will be available for interviews at Holland & Hart after May 1, 2005.