Elizabeth B. Dawson
Overview
Elizabeth B. Dawson counsels clients in navigating the range of federal environmental and climate-related laws and regulations, helping them comment on and litigate agency rulemakings, pursue federal approvals, and defend against enforcement actions. In addition to administrative rulemaking advocacy, Ellie has briefed and argued these issues in federal courts around the country, from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to the Western District of Washington. Ellie’s practice also offers clients legal guidance on a broad range of ESG and sustainability issues. Clients value her deep knowledge and immersion in ESG as well as her ability to break down complex risk into pragmatic business solutions.
Career & Education
- Department of Justice: Environment and Natural Resources Division
Trial Attorney, Environmental Defense Section, 2011–2017
- Department of Justice: Environment and Natural Resources Division
- Viterbo University, B.A., summa cum laude, Spanish/B.F.A. musical theatre, 2005
- Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College, J.D., summa cum laude, Cornelius Honor Society, 2011
- District of Columbia
- Oregon
- Spanish
Elizabeth's Insights
Client Alert | 2 min read | 09.30.25
CARB Issues Preliminary List of Entities Covered by California Climate Disclosure Laws
On September 24, 2025, the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) issued a preliminary list of reporting/covered entities under California’s climate disclosure laws SB 253 (the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act) and SB 261 (the Climate-Related Financial Risk Act) (the “Climate Disclosure Laws”) (both as modified by SB 219).
Speaking Engagement | 09.25.25
"Global Sustainability and Competitiveness Summit," Crowell & Moring Seminar, Brussels, BE.
Client Alert | 7 min read | 09.08.25
California’s Climate Disclosure Laws Continue to Roll Forward
Recognition
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, 2023
Elizabeth's Insights
Client Alert | 2 min read | 09.30.25
CARB Issues Preliminary List of Entities Covered by California Climate Disclosure Laws
On September 24, 2025, the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) issued a preliminary list of reporting/covered entities under California’s climate disclosure laws SB 253 (the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act) and SB 261 (the Climate-Related Financial Risk Act) (the “Climate Disclosure Laws”) (both as modified by SB 219).
Speaking Engagement | 09.25.25
"Global Sustainability and Competitiveness Summit," Crowell & Moring Seminar, Brussels, BE.
Client Alert | 7 min read | 09.08.25
California’s Climate Disclosure Laws Continue to Roll Forward
Insights
The FYI on ESG: Not Your Average Acronym
|05.11.21
American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources Trends Vol.52 No. 5
Biden Administration to Use Purchasing Power for Climate Change, Clean Energy Goals
|12.22.20
Bloomberg Law
"ESG in Energy, Trade and Supply Chain: Cleaner, Greener and More Responsible," ABA Houston Energy Conference
|02.27.24
DC Circuit Hears Challenge To Federal Rule That Lets Mines Dump Unlimited Waste
|01.16.24
Courthouse News
Biden’s Environmental Justice Push and Its Impact on Retailers’ ESG Considerations
|05.26.21
Crowell & Moring’s Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer
Elizabeth's Insights
Client Alert | 2 min read | 09.30.25
CARB Issues Preliminary List of Entities Covered by California Climate Disclosure Laws
On September 24, 2025, the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) issued a preliminary list of reporting/covered entities under California’s climate disclosure laws SB 253 (the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act) and SB 261 (the Climate-Related Financial Risk Act) (the “Climate Disclosure Laws”) (both as modified by SB 219).
Speaking Engagement | 09.25.25
"Global Sustainability and Competitiveness Summit," Crowell & Moring Seminar, Brussels, BE.
Client Alert | 7 min read | 09.08.25
California’s Climate Disclosure Laws Continue to Roll Forward