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 | 5 min read | 05.19.26
DOJ Continues Attempt to Block State-Court Climate Suits with Minnesota Complaint
On May 4, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) filed a federal complaint seeking to enjoin Minnesota’s state-court climate lawsuit against major energy companies. DOJ contends that Minnesota’s claims—which target global greenhouse gas emissions—intrude on exclusive federal authority. The complaint asserts that Minnesota’s lawsuit violates the dormant Commerce Clause and is preempted based on uniquely federal interests, the prohibition on extraterritorial state regulation, the Clean Air Act (“CAA”), and the Foreign Affairs doctrine.
Client Alert | 4 min read | 05.01.26
Federal Court Blocks Trump Administration Policies Restricting Wind and Solar Permitting
Client Alert | 4 min read | 03.18.26
Client Alert | 7 min read | 03.10.26
Recognition
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, 2023
- Best Lawyers: Environmental Law, 2024–2026
Elizabeth's Insights
Client Alert | 5 min read | 05.19.26
DOJ Continues Attempt to Block State-Court Climate Suits with Minnesota Complaint
On May 4, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) filed a federal complaint seeking to enjoin Minnesota’s state-court climate lawsuit against major energy companies. DOJ contends that Minnesota’s claims—which target global greenhouse gas emissions—intrude on exclusive federal authority. The complaint asserts that Minnesota’s lawsuit violates the dormant Commerce Clause and is preempted based on uniquely federal interests, the prohibition on extraterritorial state regulation, the Clean Air Act (“CAA”), and the Foreign Affairs doctrine.
Client Alert | 4 min read | 05.01.26
Federal Court Blocks Trump Administration Policies Restricting Wind and Solar Permitting
Client Alert | 4 min read | 03.18.26
Client Alert | 7 min read | 03.10.26
Insights
Key Trends Shaping ESG And Sustainability Law In 2026
|01.05.26
Key Trends Shaping ESG And Sustainability Law In 2026
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
"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 | 5 min read | 05.19.26
DOJ Continues Attempt to Block State-Court Climate Suits with Minnesota Complaint
On May 4, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) filed a federal complaint seeking to enjoin Minnesota’s state-court climate lawsuit against major energy companies. DOJ contends that Minnesota’s claims—which target global greenhouse gas emissions—intrude on exclusive federal authority. The complaint asserts that Minnesota’s lawsuit violates the dormant Commerce Clause and is preempted based on uniquely federal interests, the prohibition on extraterritorial state regulation, the Clean Air Act (“CAA”), and the Foreign Affairs doctrine.
Client Alert | 4 min read | 05.01.26
Federal Court Blocks Trump Administration Policies Restricting Wind and Solar Permitting
Client Alert | 4 min read | 03.18.26
Client Alert | 7 min read | 03.10.26




