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 | 08.26.26
D.C. Circuit Upholds Designation of PFOA and PFOS as CERCLA Hazardous Substances
In a significant and unanimous ruling, the D.C. Circuit upheld the Environmental Protection Agency’s (“EPA”) final rule designating perfluorooctanoic acid (“PFOA”) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (“PFOS”) as “hazardous substances” under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), denying the petitions of seven industry groups seeking to overturn that designation.[1] CERCLA, also known as the “Superfund Statute,” allows EPA to require potentially responsible parties to fund cleanup of hazardous substances.
Firm News | 5 min read | 08.20.26
Publication | 07.20.26
Federal Court Blocks Trump Administration Policies Restricting Wind and Solar Permitting
Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America: Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental, Natural Resources Law, 2027
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, 2023
- Best Lawyers: Environmental Law, 2024–2026
Elizabeth's Insights
Client Alert | 5 min read | 08.26.26
D.C. Circuit Upholds Designation of PFOA and PFOS as CERCLA Hazardous Substances
In a significant and unanimous ruling, the D.C. Circuit upheld the Environmental Protection Agency’s (“EPA”) final rule designating perfluorooctanoic acid (“PFOA”) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (“PFOS”) as “hazardous substances” under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), denying the petitions of seven industry groups seeking to overturn that designation.[1] CERCLA, also known as the “Superfund Statute,” allows EPA to require potentially responsible parties to fund cleanup of hazardous substances.
Firm News | 5 min read | 08.20.26
Publication | 07.20.26
Federal Court Blocks Trump Administration Policies Restricting Wind and Solar Permitting
Insights
Federal Court Blocks Trump Administration Policies Restricting Wind and Solar Permitting
|07.20.26
Energy Law Report
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 the States: The New Fault Lines for Energy Companies and Their Counsel," Institute for Energy Law
|06.02.26
"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 | 08.26.26
D.C. Circuit Upholds Designation of PFOA and PFOS as CERCLA Hazardous Substances
In a significant and unanimous ruling, the D.C. Circuit upheld the Environmental Protection Agency’s (“EPA”) final rule designating perfluorooctanoic acid (“PFOA”) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (“PFOS”) as “hazardous substances” under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), denying the petitions of seven industry groups seeking to overturn that designation.[1] CERCLA, also known as the “Superfund Statute,” allows EPA to require potentially responsible parties to fund cleanup of hazardous substances.
Firm News | 5 min read | 08.20.26
Publication | 07.20.26
Federal Court Blocks Trump Administration Policies Restricting Wind and Solar Permitting




