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# Earth & Water Law: Solutions for Business and The Planet

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## Posts
- [Congress, amend the Endangered Species Act](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/congress-amend-the-endangered-species-act/): In a new op-ed titled “Congress, amend the Endangered Species Act,” featured in The Washington Times and authored by Aurelia Giacometto and Brent Fewell of Earth & Water Law, the authors argue that it’s time to modernize the Endangered Species Act (ESA) so it better delivers on its founding promise: recovering imperiled species and returning them to thriving populations.
- [E&W Law’s E. Donald Elliott Co-Writes New Environmental Law Primer](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-laws-e-donald-elliott-co-writes-new-environmental-law-primer/): The publication of the second edition of Advanced Introduction to U.S. Environmental Law underscores the enduring importance of accessible, practical resources in a field shaped by ongoing regulatory, legal, and policy developments. Written by E&W Law’s own E. Donald Elliott, along with fellow leading environmental law scholars and practitioners Daniel C. Esty (professor, Yale School of the Environment) and Adam Babich (professor, Tulane Law School), the updated primer examines the statutes, regulatory frameworks, and recurring themes that define environmental law in the United States today.
- [E&W Law Recognized in Chambers USA 2026 Rankings](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-law-recognized-in-chambers-usa-2026-rankings/): Earth & Water Law (E&W Law) is pleased to announce that the firm has been recognized in the Chambers USA Guide 2026, earning a ranking again this year for Environment, District of Columbia (Band 4), and receiving a new ranking for Environment, Oklahoma (Band 2).
- [Mary Ellen Ternes Recognized for Sustained Commitment to the American College of Environmental Lawyers](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/mary-ellen-ternes-recognized-for-sustained-commitment-to-the-american-college-of-environmental-lawyers/): E&W Law congratulates Partner Mary Ellen Ternes on receiving a new award, Recognition of Sustained Commitment to the American College of Environmental Lawyers (ACOEL), bestowed for the first time by the ACOEL Council of Past Presidents. This award honors Mary Ellen’s 18 years of active leadership and service within one of the profession’s most respected environmental law organizations.
- [Celebrating 10 Years of E&W Law’s Innovation and Impact](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/celebrating-10-years-of-ew-laws-innovation-and-impact/): This year marks the 10th anniversary of Earth & Water Law (E&W Law). Over the past decade, our firm has built a national environmental practice, advising clients on regulatory, transactional, infrastructure, and litigation matters. But our story isn’t just about growth. It’s about doing things differently and proving that a better model for practicing law is possible.
- [E&W Law Welcomes Sally Mozley Dalzell and Scott Mitchell as Partners](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-law-welcomes-sally-mozley-dalzell-and-scott-mitchell-as-partners/): Washington, D.C., March 23, 2026 – Earth & Water Law, LLC (E&W Law) today announced that Sally Mozley Dalzell and Scott Mitchell have joined the firm as partners. Both bring decades of senior leadership experience at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), further strengthening the firm’s ability to advise clients on high-stakes regulatory requirements, compliance, and the operational challenges related to infrastructure and project implementation in today’s complex legal and policy landscape. The announcement coincides with E&W Law marking its 10th anniversary.
- [E&W Partner Tammy Helminski Selected for Crain’s Notable Woman in Law](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-partner-tammy-helminski-selected-for-crains-notable-woman-in-law/): Earth & Water Law is proud to announce that Partner Tammy L. Helminski has been selected for inclusion in Crain’s Grand Rapids Business Notable Women in Law for 2026. This distinguished editorial recognition from Crain’s Grand Rapids Business celebrates women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, professional excellence, and meaningful impact in the legal profession and the broader business community.
- [E&W Partner Susan Bodine Submits Comments on Proposed WOTUS Rule](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-partner-susan-bodine-submits-comments-on-proposed-wotus-rule/): On January 5, Susan Bodine submitted comments on U.S. EPA’s and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS), which is intended to conform the rule to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA. The comments were submitted in response to the agencies’ November 20, 2025, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (90 FR 52,498).
- [E&W Named Among 2026 Best Law Firms® for Environmental, Energy, Insurance, and Administrative Law](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-named-among-2026-best-law-firms-for-environmental-energy-insurance-and-administrative-law/): E&W Law is proud to announce that the firm has been included in the 16th Edition of Best Law Firms® in the United States for its environmental, energy, insurance, and administrative law practices. In addition, one partner was named “Lawyer of the Year,” and eight partners were recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® ( 2026 edition) for their individual achievements.
- [E&W Law Welcomes New Partner Aurelia S. Giacometto](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-law-welcomes-new-partner-aurelia-s-giacometto/): Washington, D.C., May 12, 2025 – Earth & Water Law, LLC (E&W Law) announced today the addition of Aurelia S. Giacometto to the partnership.  As a distinguished environmental regulation and policy leader, Aurelia brings over 20 years of experience in agriculture, wildlife conservation, and energy development.  Most recently, she served as the 14th Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), where she led efforts to improve regulatory transparency, strengthen accountability, and streamline environmental permitting—including under the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act—in one of the most industrialized states in the nation. 
- [United States Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin Makes a Statement with PFAS Press Release](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/united-states-environmental-protection-agency-administrator-lee-zeldin-makes-a-statement-with-pfas-press-release/): By Edward (Ned) B. Witte, Heather A. Davis and Karen Bennett
- [E&W Law Partners E. Donald Elliott, Susan Bodine, and Jeffrey Longsworth draft pro bono amicus brief to the D.C Circuit on behalf of Toxicology Excellence for Risk Analysis and the International Society of Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-law-partners-e-donald-elliott-susan-bodine-and-jeffrey-longsworth-draft-pro-bono-amicus-brief-to-the-d-c-circuit-on-behalf-of-toxicology-excellence-for-risk-analysis-and-the-international-socie/): Amicus brief filed April 15, 2025
- [E&W Law Partner Susan Bodine authors article, “Best and Available Science” and Agency Decision-Making](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-law-partner-susan-bodine-authors-article-best-and-available-science-and-agency-decision-making/): SUMMARY
- [E&W Law Partner Ned Witte quoted in InsideEPA article entitled, “Experts Warn of Reporting Liability From PFAS Data Collection Efforts” March 26, 2025](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-law-partner-ned-witte-quoted-in-insideepa-article-entitled-experts-warn-of-reporting-liability-from-pfas-data-collection-efforts-march-26-2025/): RALEIGH -- Legal and other experts are warning dischargers and others that gathering data on PFAS releases may inadvertently trigger reporting requirements, although doubts remain about the scope of reporting obligations amid uncertain federal regulation and a patchwork of state PFAS laws.
- [Supreme Court Cites Earth & Water Amicus Brief in Important CWA Permitting Case](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/supreme-court-cites-earth-water-amicus-brief-in-important-cwa-permitting-case/): Earth & Water Law clients the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), and the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) were pleased with the decision and the court’s specific reliance on the amicus brief that Earth & Water Law prepared for the associations.  
- [The Current State of Environmental Justice](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/the-current-state-of-environmental-justice/): In her first day in office on February 5, 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a series of memoranda, including one that rescinded “Environmental Justice” policies of prior administrations. This post is intended to provide some historical context for the Attorney General’s action and to briefly explain the continuously swinging pendulum of policies related to EJ and settlement payments to non-governmental third parties.
- [Disciplinary differences and institutional factors that bear on the international differences in regulating PFAS](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/disciplinary-differences-and-institutional-factors-that-bear-on-the-international-differences-in-regulating-pfas/): Journal of Toxicology and Regulatory Policy, Volume 1: Issue 1 Authored by E. Donald Elliott, Partner, E&W Law February 7, 2025 SUMMARY Lawyers and scientists are not merely proverbial ships passing in the night; they live on different planets mentally. As a long-time environmental lawyer and law professor who has been happily married to a distinguished toxicologist, Gail Charnley PhD, for over two decades, I have come to see how our professional training influences us to see the world differently. In this essay, I try to explain the difference between how lawyers and scientists view the world and significance of those differences for risk regulation, including the regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). To access the article in its entirety, visit: https://isrtp.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/jtrp/1/1/article-p1.xml. To download a PDF of the article, click here.
- [Highlights of Memoranda Attorney General Pam Bondi Signed on Her First Day in Office](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/highlights-of-memoranda-attorney-general-pam-bondi-signed-on-her-first-day-in-office/): Here are the highlights of a few of the 14 Memoranda that Attorney General Pam Bondi signed on her first day in office yesterday. These are focused on white collar and environmental enforcement issues.
- [EPA Issues Long-Awaited PFOA/PFOS Risk Assessment](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/epa-issues-long-awaited-pfoa-pfos-risk-assessment/): The U.S. EPA has long supported the land application of biosolids regulated under Section 503 regulations for sewage sludge disposal. However, increasing attention and questions have been raised on what to do with biosolids containing trace amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. This week, EPA issued a pre-published version of the agency’s draft risk assessment for PFOA and PFOS involving biosolids land application and surface disposal. Over 50 percent of the biosolids in the U.S. are land applied, with 31 percent being used for agricultural fertilizer. The assessment modeled the potential impacts involving several scenarios, including an agricultural farm, a food crop farm, soil reclamation, disposal in sludge landfill, and incineration.
- [EPA’s FY 2024 Enforcement Results](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/epas-fy-2024-enforcement-results/): EPA’s FY 2024 Enforcement Results
- [Responding to a Subpoena](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/responding-to-a-subpoena/): Terrific. I just received a subpoena. Am I in trouble? How much is this going to cost?
- [E&W Law Welcomes New Partner Tammy Helminski](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-law-welcomes-new-partner-tammy-helminski/): Washington, D.C., October 25, 2024 – Earth & Water Law, LLC (E&W Law) announced today the addition of Tammy L. Helminski to the partnership. An innovative leader in environmental legal matters and compliance, Tammy leverages her engineering background and deep understanding of policy to successfully guide her clients through political and regulatory processes.   “Our firm’s environmental practice continues to be a leading partner for business nationwide, and Tammy will be a key addition to a deep bench of lawyers helping our clients navigate the ever-changing landscape of emerging contaminants and risks,” said Brent Fewell, Founder and Chairman of E&W Law.   “I’m honored to join the E&W team and apply my environmental background during this time of transition and uncertainty for so many regulated entities,” said Helminski. “I look forward to supporting the firm’s continued growth of its compliance and remediation practice nationwide.”   With a strong focus on evaluating and litigating state and federal regulatory matters, Tammy provides counsel to regulated parties, namely corporations, trade associations, municipalities, and airport authorities.   In recent years, her practice has focused on the unprecedented challenges posed by emerging contaminants, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), serving as lead coordinator of the national PFAS Regulatory Coalition.   Tammy began her career as an environmental engineer at Ford Motor Company and a pollution prevention coordinator at the NASA Ames Research Center. She graduated from the University of Michigan Law School (J.D) and Michigan Technological University (M.S., Environmental Policy and B.S., Environmental Engineering). She is a member of the Michigan bar and will continue her practice from Grand Rapids, Michigan. For her full bio and list of accomplishments, please visit the E&W Law website.   Headquartered in Washington, D.C., E&W Law offers its clients a unique business model with the experience and skill of a traditional law firm, but without the costly overhead. The firm offers expertise that lies at the intersection of legal and strategic business counseling, help its clients stay ahead of the ever-growing legal and regulatory challenges facing all companies, regardless of their size or location.
- [Department of Justice Compliance Guidance Update](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/department-of-justice-compliance-guidance-update/): On September 23, 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) updated its guidance on how prosecutors are supposed to evaluate the effectiveness of a company’s compliance program in the context of making prosecutorial decisions, including whether to proceed with a criminal case and sentencing recommendations. This is the latest update since March 2023 to the “Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs,” which was initially issued in 2017. The Guidance discusses such topics as compliance program design (risk assessments, policies and procedures, training and communications confidential reporting and internal investigations, managing third parties, and mergers and acquisitions); whether a compliance program isadequately resourced and empowered (management commitment, autonomy and resources, compensation and consequences tied to compliance); and whether a compliance program works in practice (continuous improvement, testing and review, investigation of misconduct, and remediation).
- [E&W Partner Susan Bodine authors sidebar article to ELI’s Environmental Forum Cover Story (Sep/Oct 2024)](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-partner-susan-bodine-authors-sidebar-article-to-elis-environmental-forum-cover-story-sep-oct-2024/): Susan Bodine, Partner at E&W Law contributes sidebar article, "Much Success but Now Diminishing Returns," as part of the cover story for the September/October 2024 issue of ELI’s Environmental Forum.
- [E&W Law Partners ranked by Chambers USA Guide 2024](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-law-partners-ranked-by-chambers-usa-guide-2024/): E&W Law had several of its Partners ranked by Chambers USA Guide 2024, including:
- [Biden Administration Publishes Preliminary List of Potential National Interest Electric  Transmission Corridors](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/biden-administration-publishes-preliminary-list-of-potential-national-interest-electric-transmission-corridors/): On May 8, 2024, the Biden Administration published a list of ten potential geographic areas for designation as National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETC) under Section 216 (a) of the Federal Power Act. Once established, electric transmission projects proposed within these broad areas will unleash expedited federal approvals and financing to facilitate construction. Comments on the proposed designations are due June 24, 2024.
- [The Superfund Trust Fund is Growing,<br>not Shrinking](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/the-superfund-trust-fund-is-growingnot-shrinking/): After the release of the President’s budget a former EPA Superfund employee spoke to Inside EPA to express her fears of a return to “funding challenges like in the old days” and “a new backlog of unfunded construction projects,” because estimated tax receipts are less than previously projected. Inside EPA flogged this storyline in three articles, first in a March 19 story headlined: “Superfund Tax Receipts Fall Short, Raising Fears Of New Cleanup Backlog,” second in a March 26 story headlined: “EPA Faces Costlier Superfund Cleanups Amid Declining Tax Revenues”, and third in an April 2 “Insider” story headlined “EPA’s Cleanup Costs Appear to Grow As Superfund Tax Receipts Fall Short.” E&E News followed on April 15 with a somewhat more balanced story, despite the alarmist headline of “Superfund tax shortfall: Trouble for cleanups, EPA budget.” In the E&E News story both an Environment America executive director and I am cited for the observation that the Superfund program has more money than it ever has had before.
- [E&W Law Welcomes New Partner Len Miller](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-law-welcomes-new-partner-len-miller/): Washington, D.C., April 15, 2024 – Earth & Water Law, LLC (E&W Law) announced today the addition of Leonard A. Miller to the partnership. Len has a wealth of experience in both the public and private sector...
- [The United States is Speaking Out of Both Sides of Its Mouth on RCRA Corrective Action](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/the-united-states-is-speaking-out-of-both-sides-of-its-mouth-on-rcra-corrective-action/): I have seen many client alerts on the two RCRA rules proposed by EPA on February 8. I agree with commentators that note that if EPA adds 9 PFAS chemicals to the RCRA Appendix VIII list of hazardous constituents it will be much easier for EPA to later list wastes containing those constituents as hazardous wastes. I also agree that if EPA’s rules are changed to apply the statutory definition of hazardous waste to corrective action, then states (or EPA) will have the authority to decide what is a hazardous waste on a case-by-case basis, when issuing corrective action permits, rather than going through of notice and comment rulemaking.
- [Army Corps Proposal to Rescind Appendix C Regulations](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/army-corps-proposal-to-rescind-appendix-c-regulations/): The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) announced that it will rescind long standing regulations governing how the agency complies with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). 89 Fed. Reg. 9079, Feb. 9, 2024 Corps Appendix C Notice 2-9. Going forward, the Corps will adopt the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s regulations at 36 C.F.R. Part 800. Public comments are due by April 9, 2024.
- [The Biden Administration’s Draft Maui Guidance Overreaches EPA’s Authority](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/the-biden-administrations-draft-maui-guidance-overreaches-epas-authority/): On November 27, 2023, EPA announced in the Federal Register that it has issued draft guidance on applying the Supreme Court decision, County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund in the context of the NPDES permitting program and will accept comments on the draft until December 27, 2023. 88 Fed. Reg. 82891.
- [What’s next for WOTUS following Sackett ruling?](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/whats-next-for-wotus-following-sackett-ruling/): On Jan. 18, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Corps of Engineers published a final rule defining “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act despite the fact that a case on that issue was pending on the Supreme Court’s docket. The January rule is the subject of numerous challenges and is stayed in 27 states.
- [Heads Up from Nairobi](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/heads-up-from-nairobi/): Reporting from Nairobi as a United Nations delegate for the Global Council for Science and the Environment (GCSE) to the UN member nations negotiations for an International Legally Binding Instrument to End Plastic Pollution by 2040. We woke up this morning to news of this lawsuit filed by the People of the State of New York against PepsiCo seeking relief for plastic pollution along the Buffalo River. While the US EPA has not made much progress addressing plastic litter along navigable waters, this is a unique case filed by a state against contributor identified by New York as predominant through evaluation of samples of plastic waste collected along the banks of the Buffalo River. New York’s allegations arise under New York authority regarding public nuisance, strict product liability (failure to warn), and violations of New York business law (deceptive practices) as well as continued illegality under New York’s Executive Law. New York is seeking comprehensive relief, including declarations that plastic pollution along the Buffalo River is a public nuisance and that PepsiCo contributed. New York also seeks judicial direction that PepsiCo take reasonable best efforts to abate the nuisance including research regarding the extent of the plastic contamination, appropriate remediation, and endowment of a plastic waste abatement fund. Further, New York seeks to enjoin PepsiCo from continuing to contribute to the plastic public nuisance with reasonable best efforts, as well as providing consumer protection relief. Finally, New York seeks compensatory damages and disgorgement of profits from PepsiCo’s persistent violation of New York’s business laws. Given the US positions taken here in Nairobi, it appears that the states, once again, will be leading the way to address plastic pollution. This is a case to be watched, as US businesses may not want to wait for a UN treaty to impact US federal law regarding plastics before taking action.
- [The WOTUS Rule After Sackett](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/the-wotus-rule-after-sackett/): On August 29, 2023, EPA and the Corps of Engineers released a prepublication version of their response to the Supreme Court Opinion in Sackett v. United States, 598 U.S. _, 143 S. Ct. 1322 (2023) (“Sackett”). The final rule and its preamble are very short.
- [E&W Law Welcomes New Partner Paul Sarahan](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-law-welcomes-new-partner-paul-sarahan/): Washington, D.C., July 24, 2023 – Earth & Water Law, LLC (E&W Law) announced today the addition of Paul C. Sarahan to the partnership. Paul’s practice is primarily focused on environmental policy, enforcement, remediation, auditing, and permitting. He has handled a range of matters including administrative, civil and criminal enforcement, permitting, auditing, litigation, workplace safety, air quality, water rights, water quality, waste handling and disposal, and Superfund matters. His key experience includes providing regulatory counseling, advising clients on environmental auditing, and representing clients in cost recovery and remediation cases.
- [E. Donald ELLIOTT: The On-Going Judicial Reconsideration of the Administrative State in the U.S](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/e-donald-elliott-the-on-going-judicial-reconsideration-of-the-administrative-state-in-the-u-s/): The United States is in the midst of a “constitutional moment,” a neologism invented by my Yale Law School colleague Bruce Ackerman to describe the reality that changes of constitutional magnitude are sometimes made in the United States without the benefit of a formal amendment to our constitution. The big issue now is an on-going reconsideration of “the Administrative State.” That pejorative term describes the gradual migration of decision-making power away from the popularly elected Congress and into a vast bureaucracy of unelected federal officials.
- [E&W Partner Susan Bodine participates on panel on Environmental Enforcement: Policies, Priorities, and the Rule of Law](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-partner-susan-bodine-participates-on-panel-on-environmental-enforcement-policies-priorities-and-the-rule-of-law/): E&W Partner Susan Bodine, the former Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, participated in a panel discussion on Environmental Enforcement: Policies, Priorities, and the Rule of Law, co-sponsored by ConservAmerica and The Federalist Society. Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska led off the discussion with a keynote address and the other panelists were David M. Uhlmann, Deputy Assistant Administrator (and nominee for Assistant Administrator), Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Eric Schaeffer, Executive Director, Environmental Integrity Project, Former Director, Office of Civil Enforcement, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and Jeffrey Wood, Partner, Baker Botts LLP, Former Acting Assistant Attorney General, Environment and Natural Resources Division, United States Department of Justice. The panel was moderated by Michael Buschbacher, Partner, Boyden Gray & Associates PLLC.
- [E&W Law Partner E. Donald Elliott Speaks on Reining in the Administrative State to 30 Federal and State Supreme Court Justices at Douglas H. Ginsburg Judicial Colloquium.](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-law-partner-e-donald-elliott-speaks-on-reining-in-the-administrative-state-to-30-federal-and-state-supreme-court-justices-at-douglas-h-ginsburg-judicial-colloquium/): E&W Law Partner E. Donald Elliott was invited to participate as a discussion leader in the latest installment of the Douglas H. Ginsburg Judicial Colloquium Series, held at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska from June 11-June 17.
- [E&W Law Welcomes New Partner<br>Karen Bennett](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-law-welcomes-new-partner-karen-bennett/): Washington, D.C., May 5, 2023 – Earth & Water Law, LLC (E&W Law) announced today the addition of Karen C. Bennett to the partnership. Karen’s practice is focused on providing businesses and investors with legal guidance on project development, including siting, environmental analysis and land use approvals and mitigation, historic preservation, and tribal consultation. She represents clients and industry sectors before the Administration, federal regulatory agencies, and Congress in obtaining strategic federal regulatory policy and legislative goals.
- [E&W Law Welcomes New Partner<br>Jeffrey Longsworth](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-law-welcomes-new-partnerjeffrey-longsworth/): Washington, D.C., March 24, 2023 – Earth & Water Law, LLC (E&W Law) announced today the addition of Jeff Longsworth to the partnership. Jeff’s practice is focused on Clean Water Act (CWA) matters, especially those issues involving permitting, stormwater, effluent limitations guidelines, enforcement, inspections and spill prevention across local, regional and national platforms. Jeff has since expanded his CWA practice into related and overlapping areas, including emerging contaminants, sustainability and energy efficiency.
- [WOTUS Update](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/wotus-update/): Yesterday, March 19, Judge Brown of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas enjoined the 2023 WOTUS rule in Texas and Idaho, finding "a substantial likelihood that the 2023 Rule exceeds the Agencies’ statutory authority under the Act."
- [EPA’s proposed PFAS MCLs will pose significant costs on small entities that may not be justified by the costs](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/epas-proposed-pfas-mcls-will-pose-significant-costs-on-small-entities-that-may-not-be-justified-by-the-costs/): On March 14, 2023, EPA released the pre-publication copy of its proposed Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and GenX Chemicals. Comments will be due 60 days after the proposal is published in the Federal Register.
- [E&W Law Partner Susan Bodine testifies at T&I’s hearing on WOTUS](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-law-partner-susan-bodine-testifies-at-tis-hearing-on-wotus/): Susan Bodine, Partner for E&W Law testified on February 8, 2023 before the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's hearing on “Stakeholder Perspectives on the Impacts of the Biden Administration’s Waters of the United Sates (WOTUS) rule.”
- [A “Smart” Way To Save U.S. Taxpayers $500 Billion While More Quickly Improving Our Nation’s Water Quality – With A Do-over](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/a-smart-way-to-save-u-s-taxpayers-500-billion-while-more-quickly-improving-our-nations-water-quality-with-a-do-over/): So, let’s talk about sewers! Did you know that sewer systems were originally designed to include both rainwater and sewage? The idea was that the occasional rainstorm would flush the combined sewer system allowing its performance to be maintained, before sewage treatment plants (STPs) were required.
- [Congress Finalizes WRDA 2022 and Sends to Whitehouse for Signature](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/congress-finalizes-wrds-2022-and-sends-to-whitehouse-for-signature/): The House and Senate passed separate WRDA bills this past summer by wide margins in each chamber, evidencing strong support behind these bills. After several months of negotiations, House and Senate negotiators were successful in reconciling their respective bills, incorporating provisions from both bills in a final WRDA for 2022.
- [E&W partner Susan Bodine sent a letter in support of David Uhlmann to succeed her at EPA as OECA’s assistant administrator](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-partner-susan-bodine-sent-a-letter-in-support-of-david-uhlmann-to-succeed-her-at-epa-as-oecas-assistant-administrator/): E&W partner Susan Bodine sent a letter in support of David Uhlmann to succeed her at EPA as OECA’s assistant administrator.
- [AWWA Releases Comments on Proposed PFOA and PFOS Designation under CERCLA](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/awwa-releases-comments-on-proposed-pfoa-and-pfos-designation-under-cercla/): Earth & Water Law was pleased to provide the legal analysis to support the comments from the American Water Works Association on EPA’s proposal to designate PFOA and PFOS as CERCLA hazardous substances.
- [E&W Law Builds Out Team with Addition of Associate and Law Clerk](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/ew-law-builds-out-team-with-addition-of-associate-and-law-clerk/): Washington, D.C., October 31, 2022 – Earth & Water Law, LLC (E&W Law) announced today the addition of a new Associate Sabren Wahden and Law Clerk Charles Ziscovici.
- [E& W Law Welcomes New Partner E. Donald Elliott](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/e-w-law-welcomes-new-partner-e-donald-elliott/): Washington, D.C., September 28, 2022 – Earth & Water Law, LLC (E&W Law) announced today the addition of E. Donald Elliott to the partnership. Don has over 30 years of experience in all aspects of environmental, energy and chemical safety law, including serving as General Counsel of the U.S. EPA (1989-1991) and heading environmental practice groups at four international AmLaw 100 law firms.
- [Congress Appears to Be Working Its Way Towards Passing WRDA 2022 Legislation](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/congress-appears-to-be-working-its-way-towards-passing-wrda-2022-legislation/): By Jon Pawlow

## Pages
- [Scott Mitchell, Esq.](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/scott-mitchell-esq/): Our Professionals Partner Scott Mitchell, Esq. Main: (202) 280-6362 Cell: (202) 288-8071 scott.mitchell@earthandwatergroup.com Connect with Scott Mitchell Active License: District of Columbia Biography Scott Mitchell is an airport and environmental attorney with over 30 years of experience advising on all aspects of airport law including aviation infrastructure, environmental compliance, and contaminated-site liability. He combines extensive technical expertise with senior leadership experience in the federal government.Scott previously served as an Assistant Chief Counsel at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where he led the agency’s airport and environmental law practice and acted as the FAA’s primary airport and environmental lawyer on issues related to airport development, federal grant obligations, and environmental review under NEPA. Earlier, he worked as a CERCLA enforcement attorney with the U.S. Department of the Interior.
In private practice, Scott served as Of Counsel at Gunster and Morgan Lewis, representing clients in complex matters involving federal and state environmental laws and regulatory compliance.Scott holds an engineering degree, cum laude, from The University of Florida and began his career as a chemical engineer with E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Inc. He later earned his J.D., cum laude, from The Georgetown University Law Center, where he served as an Associate Editor of The Georgetown Law Journal. Education The University of Florida, Bachelor of EngineeringThe Georgetown University Law Center, Juris Doctor BAR MEMBERSHIPS District of ColumbiaFlorida (inactive) Contact Us Main: (202) 280-6362 Cell: (202) 288-8071 scott.mitchell@earthandwatergroup.com Connect with Scott Mitchell Active License: District of Columbia
- [Sally Mozley Dalzell](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/sally-mozley-dalzell/): With over thirty years of EPA enforcement experience covering nearly every federal environmental statute, as well as a one-year fellowship on Capitol Hill advising the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Sally Mozley Dalzell is recognized as a national expert in Superfund and is a sought-after advisor on federal environmental enforcement policy and implementation. Throughout her career, Sally has worked with a wide variety of stakeholders with differing viewpoints, earning a reputation for fairness and demonstrating a willingness to challenge agency orthodoxy.
- [William (Max) Wehr, Esq.](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/william-max-wehr-esq/): William (Max) Wehr joined Earth & Water Law in June 2025. He has a background in commercial real estate development, zoning and land use, secured finance, and corporate formation and governance.
- [Aurelia S. Giacometto, Esq.](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/aurelia-s-giacometto/): Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto is a recognized thought leader in environmental regulatory, legal and policy matters. She is distinguished in utilizing innovative and unconventional strategies to address issues. With over 20 years of experience in the areas of agriculture, wildlife conservation, and energy development, she began her career as a regulatory scientist, then moved to corporate affairs before obtaining her law degree. Prior to E&W Law, Aurelia served as the 14th Secretary of Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Aurelia’s public service career began after serving as in-house upon completing law school. She was Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks from 2017-2019 at the Department of the Interior and then serve as the 22nd Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from 2019-2021 upon confirmation by the U.S. Senate.Aurelia’s experience has included air and water pollution, toxic and hazardous waste, nuclear regulatory oversight, remediation, endangered and threatened species, infrastructure development, and civil and criminal enforcement of environmental federal and state laws. She works on behalf of parties including businesses, private corporations, municipalities, state agencies, non-profit organizations, associations.Aurelia handles matters before federal environmental agencies, including U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Interior, Department of Justice, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Department of Defense, including U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and state regulatory agencies. Additionally, Aurelia provides strategic advice to businesses, particularly as they calculate the costs of regulatory and administrative matters, environmental advocacy, and legislative considerations which can be pertinent for their operations. She publishes opinion editorials on these matters and speaks on multiple platforms, including international forums, about striking a regulatory balance that enables economic growth while maintaining ecological integrity. With roots in the rural South and Midwestern upbringing, Aurelia’s values of hard work and independence, coupled with a love of the outdoors, have shaped a career that spans corporate America, private family-owned businesses, and senior government leadership. Aurelia received her B.S in Biology from Howard University, M.S. in Molecular Genetics from Purdue University, and J.D. from University of Kentucky College of Law. Aurelia is a member of the bars in Kentucky and Washington, D.C. Aurelia is an avid outdoorswoman and runner; she shoots, hunts and fish, and holds a 2:58:15 marathon time.
- [Tammy L. Helminski, Esq.](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/tammy-l-helminski-esq/): Tammy is recognized as an experienced leader in environmental legal matters in Michigan and nationally. Clients benefit not only from her legal experience, but also from her engineering background and her understanding of environmental policy, which allow her to create innovative and comprehensive legal strategies and compliance programs.
- [Leonard A. Miller, Esq.](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/leonard-a-miller-esq/): Len Miller is a pioneer in the environmental field as one of the first environmental lawyers in the U.S. government, working for the National Air Pollution Control Administration (NAPCA) and then as part of the group of federal employees who started the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While at the EPA, Len created the structures of the modern-day regulation of air and water pollution, and designed the framework for all of the EPA permit programs. He headed the national water enforcement effort and handled ground-breaking and controversial enforcement cases from Alaska to Idaho to the CaribbeanLen has advised Fortune 500 companies, start-up companies, trade associations, international Swiss bankers and venture capitalists. He has a particular interest in the settlement-first approach to conflict resolution, involving coalition formation, alternative dispute resolution and mediation. In recent years, Len has focused on matters under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
- [David L. Harbin, Esq.](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/david-l-harbin-esq/): Our Professionals Of Counsel David L. Harbin, Esq. Main: (202) 280-6362 david.harbin@earthandwatergroup.com Nashville, TN Active License: Tennessee Biography David L. Harbin has over thirty years legal, policy and legislative experience as an attorney in the environmental/natural resource area with both federal and state governments. David began his legal career representing Tennessee’s State Parks and Forests but his primary career focus was on enforcement of the nation’s environmental laws. While he worked at Tennessee’s Department of Health and Environment (now Department of Environment and Conservation), David successfully led the litigation team in the nation’s first hazardous waste air permit appeal. David served as a multi-media attorney with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. During his work at EPA, he served as the Special Assistant to the Regional Administrator. He served as an attorney enforcing the Clean Water Act and for Underground Storage Tanks but his primary focus at EPA was in CERCLA Superfund enforcement. His final accomplishment at EPA was to serve as lead attorney in the cooperative cleanup of the Copper Basin Mining District Superfund Site that successfully reduced pollution into the Ocoee River in Tennessee.He also has substantial experience in the development of government policy and the writing and passage of legislation. While at Tennessee’s Department of Environment and Conservation, David was instrumental in the development and passage of Tennessee’s Brownfields Redevelopment Act. He also drafted Tennessee’s Rare Plant and Animal law and Tennessee’s Ginseng Dealer Act.David’s career has notably involved resolving complex issues. For example, he was significantly involved in the transfer of the Volunteer Army Ammunition property from federal ownership to the local government that resulted in Volkswagen moving to Tennessee. David graduated from Middle Tennessee State University and got his JD Degree from the Nashville School of Law. He has recently served as an adjunct professor at a faith-based university in Nashville, Tennessee where he taught environmental law and environmental management. David resides in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife, Christel. He loves playing music and is an active drummer in Nashville. Contact Us Main: (202) 280-6362 david.harbin@earthandwatergroup.com Nashville, TN
- [Post Sackett Rule](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/post-sackett-rule/): On August 29, 2023, EPA and the Corps of Engineers released a prepublication version of their response to the Supreme Court Opinion in Sackett v. United States, 598 U.S. _, 143 S. Ct. 1322 (2023) (“Sackett”). The final rule and its preamble are very short.
- [Paul C. Sarahan, Esq.](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/paul-c-sarahan-esq/): Paul C. Sarahan focuses his practice on environmental, transportation, and safety issues. Since 1994, his work has focused on environmental policy, enforcement, remediation, auditing, and permitting. Following his service as Director of the Litigation Division of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, he returned to private practice in 2005, and has represented clients in the energy, chemical, manufacturing, transportation, and retail industry sectors before federal, state, and local agencies. His key experience includes providing regulatory counseling, advising clients on environmental auditing, and representing clients in cost recovery and remediation cases. Paul is well-versed in handling administrative, civil and criminal enforcement, permitting, auditing, litigation, workplace safety, air quality, water rights, water quality, waste handling and disposal, and Superfund matters. He represents clients before TCEQ and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as well as before state environmental agencies in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, and Wyoming. Paul also has handled matters before the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Aviation Administration, and Federal Railroad Administration.Paul graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and received his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law and his LL.M. in Environmental, Energy and Natural Resources Law from the University of Houston Law Center.Paul is active in his community where he is focused on economic development, transportation, and racial reconciliation issues. He is a proud member of the Gilbert's Gazelles running group and is training for his second marathon.Paul is a member of the State Bar of Texas and its Environmental & Natural Resources Law Section, in which he serves on the Section's council, and the Administrative & Public Law Section.
- [Danielle Delk, Firm Administrator](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/danielle-delk-firm-administrator/): Our Professionals Firm Administrator Danielle Delk Washington, DC (202) 280-6362 Danielle.delk@earthandwatergroup.com 1455 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 400Washington, DC 20004 Biography Danielle Delk is an experienced Firm Administrator and Paralegal Practice Specialist with a demonstrated history of 18 years working in litigation law firms. She is a proud Veteran spouse, whose husband’s career has relocated her nationally throughout the years and helped gain her expertise in filing in various States’ jurisdictions. She began her legal career in Tampa, Florida, as a Litigation Legal Assistant, later relocating to Texas where she served as a Law Firm Administrator for six years. She then relocated to Washington, DC, where she served as a Litigation Legal Practice Specialist responsible in multi-level case management, including Project Management of two Environmental Coalitions, one of which managed 65 airports. Danielle has held several supervisory positions within the legal field and is skilled in firm management and accounting.Danielle is a Florida Notary and received her B.A. in Organizational and Interpersonal Communications from the University of South Florida. Contact Us (202) 280-6362 Danielle.delk@earthandwatergroup.com 1455 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 400Washington, DC 20004
- [Karen Bennett, Esq.](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/karen-bennett-esq/): Karen also has experience working with the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) on the creation of Tribal Energy Development Organizations (TEDOs), obtaining the first-ever approval from the BIA for the creation of a TEDO, in partnership with the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, with the Department of Energy, U.S. Departments of State and Defense in securing a Presidential permit authorizing cross-border transmission project, and with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in obtaining Clean Water Act Section 404 permits for controversial, complex, multi-jurisdictional energy and marina projects.
- [Jeffrey Longsworth, Esq.](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/jeffrey-longsworth-esq/): Jeff practices at the cutting edge of Clean Water Act (CWA) issues and its application to regulated entities across the country. After decades of practical experience in this specific and complex area of the law, Jeff has seen, experienced and resolved the critical challenges his clients and their constituents face from both the individual business and industry wide perspectives. Jeff’s clients rely on him to interpret CWA provisions in novel and original ways. They appreciate that he rises to the occasion to protect their interests with sound and balanced answers to sophisticated questions that rarely warrant a single, simple or straight-forward analysis or response.
- [E. Donald Elliott, Esq.](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/e-donald-elliott-esq/): E. Donald Elliott is an experienced environmental lawyer with extensive experience in all aspects of environmental, energy and chemical safety law. 
- [Charles Case, Esq.](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/charles-case-esq/): Charles Case has nearly 48 years of experience in environmental and administrative law, with the majority of his work involving North Carolina and other states in the Southeast.
- [Key Services](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/key-services/): E&W Law has highly skilled environmental practitioners and litigators in response to contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), including pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs),perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances of concern, microbial contaminants, addressing use, presence, regulation and risk.
- [Charlie Carter, Esq.](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/charlie-carter-esq/): Charlie Carter has represented clients in environmental regulatory and litigation matters before state, federal and local agencies.
- [Emerging Chemical Advisory & Litigation](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/emerging-chemical-advisory-litigation/): E&W Law has highly skilled environmental practitioners and litigators in response to contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), including pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs),perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances of concern, microbial contaminants, addressing use, presence, regulation and risk.E&W’s Emerging Chemical Advisory & Litigation Team combines the talent of Susan Bodine, the former top U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) environmental enforcement officer, Brent Fewell, a former EPA Office of Water official, John Sheehan and John Irving, two former top tier U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) trial counsel, and other experienced environmental attorneys who focus on water issues for municipal and private water utilities. This unique combination allows E&W to provide legal counsel that not only consists of strong litigation services but also recognizes and understands the complex regulatory environment and other challenges that companies and communities must navigate while supplying clean drinking water to its citizens. CECs include numerous chemical categories. With collective centuries of experience with chemical regulation, health and environmental matters, E&W’s legal team is one of the most qualified in the nation to assist with CEC regulatory, permitting, and litigation matters. PFAS is a broad class of thousands of chemicals including partially fluorinated substance, polymers and ill-defined reaction products. EPA’s Fifth Uncontaminated monitoring rule (UCMR) focuses on PFAS compounds under EPA new and revised methods 533 and 537. Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) can include pesticides, chemicals, and environmental contaminants with effects on estrogen, androgen, thyroid and other human receptor and hormone systems. Nanomaterials are a diverse class of substances, including those found in more than 1,800 consumer products and includes structural components as small as 1 nanometer (nm) and some ultrafine particles (UFPs).
- [Investigations, Compliance, and Criminal Defense](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/investigations-compliance-criminal-defense/): E&W is well-positioned to assist clients in a broad range of environmental investigations and compliance matters, from internal investigations to white collar defense in government investigations, evaluating the effectiveness of corporate compliance programs, and conducting environmental compliance audits.
- [Civil Litigation & Regulatory Counseling](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/civil-litigation-and-regulatory-counseling/): We are uniquely positioned to serve as corporate compliance monitors in environmental cases. John Irving worked for three years on a DOJ/Court-appointed monitorship in a foreign bribery matter that involved designing and implementing a corporate compliance program for a large multi-national corporation, and our professionals have extensive experience with environmental compliance. Our credibility and environmental experience are second to none, and we are able to do the work at a fraction of the cost of our larger competitors.
- [John Sheehan](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/john-sheehan/): John Sheehan has specialized in the practice of environmental law and litigation for over 30 years, serving as lead trial counsel in some of the nations’ largest environmental cases.
- [Environmental Remediation, Brownfields and Voluntary Cleanup Programs](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/environmental-remediation-brownfields-and-voluntary-cleanup-programs/): E&W applied its expertise to provide the client with a full view of its potential liability as well as strategies to resolve the issues. The matters were successfully concluded allowing the client to implement an executable legal strategy including implementation of specifically tailored environmental remediation project so that it could get back to its primary responsibility – safely and efficiently operating a critical element of the local economy.
- [Disclaimer](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/disclaimer/): This website is for informational purposes only and does not contain legal advice. Please do not act or refrain from acting based on anything you read on this site. Viewing this website does not form an attorney/client relationship between you and the attorneys of Earth & Water Law. No attorney/client relationship occurs unless and until you sign an agreement confirming the nature and scope of representation. No website is entirely secure. Please be cautious with information provided through the contact form or email. Do not assume confidentiality exists in anything you send through this website or email, until an attorney/client relationship is formed through completion of a fee agreement.
- [Brendan McGinnis](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/brendan-mcginnis/): Brendan McGinnis serves as Chief Operating Officer of E&W Law. Based in Washington, DC, his career has been extensively active in the water resources and sustainability sectors, with a strong proficiency in convening, managing complex projects, facilitating government affairs, conducting stakeholder outreach, and directing business and organizational development. He supports his clients’ goals by applying his knowledge of regulation, policy, and markets with a practical understanding of the governmental agencies, companies, and NGOs that shape and drive environmental outcomes.
- [Cindy Murdock](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/cindy-murdock/): Cindy Murdock has over 35 years of experience in accounting. She began her career as a Staff Accountant with KMG Main Hurdman, a public accounting firm. Cindy has held several supervisor positions in Financial Reporting, Manager of Investment Accounting, and Manager of Special Projects for a nationally-recognized insurance company.
- [Our Professionals](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/): At E&W Law, we are more than lawyers – we’re strategic advisors with unique experience who advance our clients’ interests across a broad range of environmental and business platforms. We believe in big visions and big solutions without big legal bills.
- [Solutions for Business and the Planet](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/): Earth & Water Law
- [Susan Bodine Esq.](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/susan-bodine-esq/): Recognized as a bipartisan problem-solver, Susan Bodine has over 30 years of experience in the executive and legislative branches of government and in private practice.
- [David M. Moore](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/david-m-moore/): David Montgomery Moore represents businesses regarding complex environmental regulatory matters, government investigations and authorizations, and litigation.
- [Rick Otis](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/rick-otis/): Rick Otis
- [Kinnan Golemon](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/kinnan-golemon/): Kinnan Golemon
- [Mark Kieser](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/mark-kieser/): Mark Kieser
- [Jim Mosher](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/jim-mosher/): Jim Mosher
- [Karen St. John](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/karen-st-john/): Karen St. John
- [Michael Curley](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/michael-curley/): Michael Curley has spent the majority of his career in project finance and the last 25 years in environmental project finance.
- [Julie Parker](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/julie-parker/): Julie Parker
- [Carl Artman](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/carl-artman/): Carl Artman
- [Ken Maynard](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/ken-maynard/): Ken Maynard has served as a highly regarded strategic advisor in the public policy and business strategy space for nearly three decades.
- [Lindene Patton](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/lindene-patton/): Lindene E. Patton is a partner at Earth and Water Law, L.L.C. and a licensed real estate agent in Virginia. She is a transactional attorney with extensive experience in the business of insurance, InsurTech, environment and data technology, including IP, privacy and related compliance matters. She is a globally recognized expert and thought leader in climate attribution liability, risk management, data, resilience and related risk management solutions, insurance policy and other financial services product development.
- [Mary Ellen Ternes](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/mary-ellen-ternes/): Mary Ellen Ternes has long been recognized nationally in the fields of chemical engineering and environmental law and advocacy. Her practice brings over 40 years of in-depth experience at the intersection of energy, manufacturing, air quality, hazardous waste management, infrastructure and disaster response.
- [Transactions](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/transactions/): Assessing a Matter from Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow’s Environmental Threats
- [Regulatory Counseling, Litigation and Defense](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/regulatory-counseling-litigation-and-defense/): Looking at the Entire Picture to Position Clients for Enduring SuccessE&W attorneys advised an industrial manufacturing client that was implicated when Clean Air Act “stack test” results triggered an enforcement investigation. E&W was ultimately able to demonstrate that the process was not testable, and working closely with technical consultants, negotiated an air permit modification with new compliance strategies.
- [Business Models and Markets Advisory & Strategy](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/business-advisory-and-strategy/): As more and more impaired waters come under the auspices of the U.S. EPA and stringent federal regulatory mandates, communities are in greater need of flexible and cost-effective approaches to meet these demands, balanced with local job creation and economic growth.
- [Risk, Compliance and Investigations](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/risk-compliance-and-investigations/): Navigating the Regulatory & Enforcement Landscape
- [Government and Regulatory Affairs](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/government-and-regulatory-affairs/): Advancing Complex Issues
- [Brent Fewell](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/our-professionals/brent-fewell/): E&W Law Founder, Brent Fewell, has over 25 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, and environmental law.
- [Contact Us](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/contact-us/): E&W Law is a high-tech national law firm serving your legal needs from our virtual and physical offices, without the burden and costs associated with traditional law firms.
- [Earth and Water Law Blog](https://www.earthandwatergroup.com/news/): From Our Blog News & Articles Latest News Popular Post