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 | 4 min read | 11.09.26
The Ninth Circuit issued a ruling on November 9, 2026 upending important parts of California’s climate change reporting laws. The court allowed the state to move forward with its SB 253 requirements for Scope 1 and 2 reporting; the November 10 deadline for disclosures regarding direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and GHG emissions from purchased energy is thus still in effect.
Client Alert | 3 min read | 10.15.26
Client Alert | 5 min read | 09.22.26
UK Government Proposes Corporate Reporting Reform and Removal of ESG Reporting Rules
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 | 4 min read | 11.09.26
The Ninth Circuit issued a ruling on November 9, 2026 upending important parts of California’s climate change reporting laws. The court allowed the state to move forward with its SB 253 requirements for Scope 1 and 2 reporting; the November 10 deadline for disclosures regarding direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and GHG emissions from purchased energy is thus still in effect.
Client Alert | 3 min read | 10.15.26
Client Alert | 5 min read | 09.22.26
UK Government Proposes Corporate Reporting Reform and Removal of ESG Reporting Rules
Insights
Federal Court Blocks Trump Administration Policies Restricting Wind and Solar Permitting
|07.20.26
Energy Law Report
"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 | 4 min read | 11.09.26
The Ninth Circuit issued a ruling on November 9, 2026 upending important parts of California’s climate change reporting laws. The court allowed the state to move forward with its SB 253 requirements for Scope 1 and 2 reporting; the November 10 deadline for disclosures regarding direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and GHG emissions from purchased energy is thus still in effect.
Client Alert | 3 min read | 10.15.26
Client Alert | 5 min read | 09.22.26
UK Government Proposes Corporate Reporting Reform and Removal of ESG Reporting Rules




