Preserving the environment while attempting to accommodate a growing population requires legal knowledge, regulatory finesse and the ability strategize, litigate and negotiate to overcome many hurdles.
Best Best & Krieger LLP’s Environmental Law & Natural Resources practice is a nationally recognized leader in advising both public agency and private clients on the maze of legal, regulatory and political challenges they face. From sustainability and clean technologies to water conservation projects, recycling facilities, air emissions concerns and a host of other issues, BB&K helps clients resolve environmental concerns, enabling them to move their projects forward and plan for the future.
Regulatory Compliance
Our environmental attorneys are adept at managing the interplay of environmental laws, including the California Environmental Quality Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, state and federal clean water, clean air and endangered species acts, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Natural Community Conservation Planning Act, among others. With long-standing, effective working relationships with the federal and state agencies that administer these laws, we can streamline assessment reviews, efficiently and cost-effectively obtaining necessary approvals and permits.
Whether a development project involves water rights, water quality, endangered species, air quality or hazardous materials or another environmental issue, we have the regulatory, transactional and litigation experience to resolve matters so that our clients can meet their land use goals while protecting the environment and assuring compliance with all legal requirements and regulatory restrictions.
Strategic Guidance
We provide practical strategies to both public entity clients, such as cities and water districts, and private entities, including landowners and developers. We assist with:
- CEQA and NEPA documentation, including environmental impact reports and environmental impact statements
- Conservation easements
- Establishing habitat conservation plans
- Government relations and advocacy
- Land use, zoning and entitlements
- Phase I, II and III site audits
- Pre-project planning and strategy and determination of the required environmental review
- Project siting, permitting and approvals
- Remediation
- Risk management
- Solar and other renewable energy proposals and projects
- Telecommunications projects
- Water rights, supply and quality
- Wetlands restrictions
A Leader on Water Issues
BB&K is counsel of choice for public agencies that collectively provide water to more than two-thirds of California’s population. Our water law reputation is so substantial that we have brokered water rights disputes between states and have developed water policies internationally.
Environmental Litigation
With so many competing interests, disputes often arise regarding development of lands and the use of limited natural resources. BB&K’s Environmental Litigation team is among the strongest and most experienced teams in the nation, handling precedent-setting litigation in the defense of environmental project approvals in court and asserting and defending our clients’ interests before the Environmental Protection Agency, the California Public Utilities Commission, the State Water Resources Control Board, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, land use authorities and other local, state and federal agencies.
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Authored Articles & Publications Nov 21, 2022
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in October Issue
Authored Articles & Publications Nov 15, 2022
Understanding Tribal Sovereignty: An Essential Primer for Productive Native American Relations
BB&K’s Ellen Grover and Josh Newton Discuss American Indian Tribal Sovereignty in Municipal Lawyer Magazine
Press Releases Nov 04, 2022
BB&K’s 2023 U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” Rankings
The 13th of "Best Law Firms" Includes New National Tier 3 Ranking for BB&K
Press Releases Nov 03, 2022
Billy Williams Recognized with NESA William H. Webster Leadership Award
Awards Program Recognizes Those in Public Service Who Have Demonstrated Exceptional Leadership Qualities
Legal Alerts Oct 31, 2022
New Brown Act Requirements from Second District Court of Appeals
CEQA Finding of Exemption to be Listed on an Agency’s Agenda for its Public Meetings
BB&K Event Oct 19, 2022
2022 IMLA Annual Conference
BB&K Attorneys to Present on Tribal Law, E-discovery, Environmental Law, Telecommunications, Federal Government and More
Legal Alerts Sep 30, 2022
Governor Vetoes SB 222, Water Rate Assistance Program Legislation
Bill Would Have Created a Statewide Water Rate Assistance Program Under Which Local Water Suppliers Would Have Provided Assistance to Eligible Customers
Free Webinar Sep 20, 2022
EPA’s Proposed PFOA & PFOS Designation Under CERCLA: BB&K’s Primer on the Need-to-Know
BB&K Free Webinar
Press Releases Sep 20, 2022
BB&K Partner Joins New Drug Policy Solutions Leadership Council
Billy Williams Appointed to Help Guide Efforts of New 501(c)(3) “Think and Do Tank”
Authored Articles & Publications Sep 15, 2022
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in August Issue
Legal Alerts Aug 29, 2022
EPA Releases Proposed Rule Designating PFOA and PFOS as Hazardous Substances Under CERCLA
Municipalities and Special Districts Could Face Liability As a Result
Press Releases Aug 18, 2022
38 BB&K Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers for 2023
Three Attorneys Awarded a “Lawyer of the Year” Designation
BB&K In the News Aug 16, 2022
Managing Partner Eric Garner Discusses New Opportunities in Water Law With Daily Journal
Addresses Skills and Traits Needed for Up-and-Coming Water Attorneys
Legal Alerts Aug 12, 2022
California Supreme Court Rules on Franchise Fees for Solid Waste Contract
Court Determined City Did Not Show Solid Waste Franchise Fees Were Not Taxes
Press Releases Jul 26, 2022
BB&K Attorneys Named to 2022 Northern and Southern California Super Lawyers Lists
Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Honorees Selected for Achievements in Real Estate, Land Use, Employment, Litigation, Government Affairs and More
Legal Alerts Jul 05, 2022
U.S. Supreme Court Limits EPA’s Climate Change Authority Under the Clean Air Act
The Court’s Decision in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency Opens the Door For Courts to Reconsider and Potentially Erode Chevron Deference
Legal Alerts Jun 17, 2022
Environmental Protection Agency Issues New Drinking Water Health Advisories
Advisories Apply to PFOA, PFOS, GenX and PFBS
Legal Alerts Jun 08, 2022
Court Rules Controversial Minimum Ratio Groundwater Pumping Rate Mandate Violates Proposition 26
Court of Appeal Strikes Down Minimum 3:1 Ratio Statute for Failure to Comply with Proposition 26 and Provides Guidance on Standard of Review
BB&K In the News Jun 07, 2022
Steve Anderson Discusses California Endangered Species Ruling with Wall Street Journal
Legal Alerts May 26, 2022
Failure To Pay Under Protest Prevents Ratepayer From Challenging Garbage Collection Charges
Padilla v. San Jose Decision Sheds Light on How Cities Can Obtain Health and Safety Code Protections for Water, Sewer, Stormwater and Solid Waste Fees
Legal Alerts May 26, 2022
State Water Resources Control Board Adopts Emergency Drought Regulation
Ramifications for Urban Water Suppliers and Non-Functional Turf
Press Releases May 18, 2022
Lauren Langer Recognized as Top L.A. Attorney
Los Angeles Business Journal Honors Standout Legal Talent
Legal Alerts May 17, 2022
U.S. Supreme Court Issues Two Decisions Impacting Local Sign Regulations and Flag Policies
Lawful or Landmine? Court Rules on First Amendment Snares
Press Releases May 16, 2022
Best Best & Krieger Announces Inaugural Arthur L. Littleworth Diversity Scholarship Recipient
Scholarship Presented to Saugus High School Senior at Association of California Water Agencies Spring Conference
Event May 04, 2022
2022 ACWA Spring Conference and Exhibition
BB&K Attorneys to Address Drought Management, Rate Setting and Federal Funding
Legal Alerts Apr 25, 2022
White House Council on Environmental Quality Finalizes First Phase of NEPA Regulation Revisions
What Changed, What Matters for Local Governments and What’s Next
Press Releases Apr 21, 2022
BB&K’s Alisha Winterswyk Named a Latino Leader Worth Watching
Profiles in Diversity Journal Recognizes Talents and Achievements of Latino Leaders
Legal Alerts Apr 19, 2022
New Guidance on Buy America Requirements for Federally Funded Infrastructure Projects
Federal Agencies Must Ensure Applicable Programs Comply By May 14
Authored Articles & Publications Apr 15, 2022
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in March Issue
BB&K In the News Apr 12, 2022
Billy Williams Addresses Federal Shortcoming in Prosecution Tools
BB&K Partner Speaks With KGW-TV About Domestic Terrorism Laws and Enforcement Limitations
Event Apr 09, 2022
IMLA 2022 Mid-Year Seminar
BB&K Attorneys to Present on ARPA Funds, Updates in Telecomm and Forthcoming Federal Legislation
Press Releases Mar 31, 2022
BB&K Attorneys Selected for 2022 San Diego Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Recognitions
Honorees Selected for Achievements in Eminent Domain, Environmental and Public Finance Matters
Legal Alerts Mar 31, 2022
California Issues New Drought Executive Order
Potential Ramifications for Urban Water Suppliers and Well-Permitting Entities
BB&K In the News Mar 18, 2022
BB&K’s Sarah Foley and Family Featured in The Houston Lawyer
“Law in the Family” Profile Ran in January/February Issue
BB&K In the News Mar 18, 2022
Partner Lowry Crook Discusses Sea-Level Rise with E&E News
Article Addresses Questions Surrounding Federal Coastal Strategy
Authored Articles & Publications Mar 16, 2022
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in February Issue
Press Releases Feb 23, 2022
Best Best & Krieger Launches Arthur L. Littleworth Diversity Scholarship in Conjunction with ACWA
Applications Due March 15
Authored Articles & Publications Feb 16, 2022
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in January Issue
Legal Alerts Feb 10, 2022
In With the New – Part Four
BB&K's New Law Guidance for a Happy New Year
Legal Alerts Feb 03, 2022
In With the New – Part Three
BB&K's New Law Guidance for a Happy New Year
BB&K In the News Feb 01, 2022
Eric Garner and John Brown Publish Art Littleworth Tribute
Tribute Runs as Riverside Lawyer Magazine Cover Story
Event Jan 21, 2022
36th Annual Land Use Law & Planning Conference
BB&K's Alisha Winterswyk and Todd Leishman to Discuss New Statutory and Case Law at Event
Authored Articles & Publications Jan 19, 2022
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in December Issue
Legal Alerts Jan 19, 2022
In With the New – Part One
BB&K's New Law Guidance for a Happy New Year
Press Releases Jan 18, 2022
Former Oregon U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams Joins Best Best & Krieger as Partner
Williams Brings 20-year DOJ Tenure and Perspective to Bear for Regional and National Clients
Client Successes Jan 07, 2022
BB&K Earns Key ARPA Rule Provisions for Municipalities Nationwide
Telecommunications Team Successfully Advocates for Expanded Use of Funds
Press Releases Jan 06, 2022
Best Best & Krieger Promotes Six Attorneys to Partner
Additional 2022 Leadership Updates Involving Managing Partner and Executive Committee
Press Releases Jan 04, 2022
Best Best & Krieger and Karnopp Petersen Complete Merger
Combination Adds First Oregon Office and Expands Firm Capabilities and Resources
Authored Articles & Publications Dec 27, 2021
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in November Issue
Legal Alerts Dec 02, 2021
CEQA Document Filing Fees Increase for 2022
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Announces Annual Adjustments
Press Releases Nov 24, 2021
Partner Paula de Sousa a San Diego Leaders in Law Finalist
San Diego Business Journal Recognizes Leading Special Districts Attorney
Authored Articles & Publications Nov 16, 2021
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Environmental Investigations and Judicial Developments in October Issue
Legal Alerts Nov 16, 2021
Monumental $1.2 Trillion Bill Passed to Revitalize the Nation’s Infrastructure
Highlights of the Bill President Biden Signed Into Law on Nov. 15
BB&K In the News Nov 15, 2021
BB&K Partner Ryan Baron Profiled by Law360
Q&A Discusses Goals as California Lawyers Association Chair, Inclusion, Mental Wellness and Growth
Press Releases Nov 04, 2021
BB&K’s 2022 Best Law Firms Rankings Include New National Tier 1 Recognition
Numerous Other Gains in 12th Edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers® Rankings
Press Releases Nov 02, 2021
Two BB&K Partners Again Recognized as Coachella Valley Top Lawyers
Robert Hargreaves and Henry Welles Named to Palm Springs Life Magazine’s 2021 Top Lawyers List
Authored Articles & Publications Oct 28, 2021
Environmental, Energy & Climate Change Law and Regulation Reporter
BB&K Attorneys Discuss Recent Investigations and Clean Water Act Rulings in August/September Issue
Press Releases Oct 20, 2021
BB&K Pays Tribute to the Late Arthur Littleworth, Former Senior Partner
Firm Honors Littleworth’s Distinguished Character, Trailblazing Water Practice and Rich Legacy
Legal Alerts Oct 19, 2021
Department of Water Resources Invites Water Use Efficiency Standards Feedback
DWR Water Use Efficiency Branch to Host Three Informational Meetings and Solicit Feedback
Press Releases Oct 14, 2021
BB&K’s Ryan Baron Elected Chair of California Lawyers Association
CLA is the Nation’s Second Largest Voluntary Bar Organization
Press Releases Oct 06, 2021
Karnopp Petersen Joins With Best Best & Krieger
Combination Enhances Public and Private Service Offerings, Adds 15 Attorneys and Office in Bend, Oregon
Event Oct 01, 2021
Environmental Regulations, Broadband Property Rights, Records Requests and More
International Municipal Lawyers Association 86th Annual Conference
Legal Alerts Sep 23, 2021
120-Day Statute of Limitations for New or Increased California Water and Sewer Rates
SB 323 Signed Into Law and Effective Jan. 1
Press Releases Sep 21, 2021
Municipal Law Attorney Derra Purnell Joins BB&K
Of Counsel Has Noted Public Sector and Compliance Experience in Southwest
Legal Alerts Sep 17, 2021
EPA Withdraws Trump-era Guidance on When Groundwater Releases Require Clean Water Act Permits
Withdrawal expands “functional equivalent” test for discharges that the Supreme Court established in County of Maui v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund
Authored Articles & Publications Sep 16, 2021
Environmental Justice and the Convergence of Social Awareness and Climate Change
Gene Tanaka, Rebecca Andrews and Julia Li Address the Impact of Federal and State Environmental Justice Initiatives in Municipal Lawyer
Press Releases Sep 10, 2021
Christopher Pisano Named 2021 Legal Visionary
L.A. Times Business of Law Publication Recognizes Work of BB&K Litigator
Legal Alerts Sep 09, 2021
SB 9: It’s Not a Duplex Bill, It’s a Fourplex Bill!
Bill to Allow Lot Splits and Two-Unit Projects By-Right in Single-Family Zones Passes in Legislature and Awaits Governor Approval
Legal Alerts Sep 07, 2021
EPA, Army Corps to Apply Pre-2015 Standard for Clean Water Act Jurisdiction
Announcement Follows Federal District Court Decision Vacating Trump Administration Waters of the United States Rule
Legal Alerts Aug 26, 2021
Court Rules on Parking Reduction & CEQA Impact
Confirms Reduction in Parking Considered Social Impact Rather Than Environmental
Press Releases Aug 19, 2021
32 BB&K Attorneys Recognized on The Best Lawyers in America List for 2022
3 Named “Lawyer of the Year” and 4 Included on “Ones to Watch” List
Legal Alerts Aug 19, 2021
AB 819 Increases Public Access to CEQA Documents
Bill Will Become Effective Jan. 1, 2022
Press Releases Jul 28, 2021
Partner Amy Hoyt Selected for Leadership Riverside Class of 2022
Graduates of Leadership Riverside go on to advocate for betterment of Riverside
Authored Articles & Publications Jul 20, 2021
ARPA Guidance for Municipalities
Six Main Categories for Recipients, Writes Attorneys Ana Schwab, Andre Monette and Gerard Lavery Lederer in PublicCEO
Legal Alerts Jul 19, 2021
Court Allows Trump Administration Waters of the U.S. Rule to Remain
Rule to Remain While EPA and Army Corps Work on Rulemakings to Revoke and Replace
Authored Articles & Publications Jul 08, 2021
Real Estate Acquisitions for Public Agencies: Do Your Homework!
Thorough, Fact-finding Due Diligence Mitigates Risks, Writes Real Estate Attorney Nancy Park in PublicCEO
Press Releases Jul 07, 2021
Seven BB&K Attorneys Named 2021 Northern California Super Lawyers
Attorneys Honored by Legal Industry
Press Releases Jun 25, 2021
BB&K One of the 200 Largest Law Firms in the U.S.
National Law Journal Also Gives High Rankings for Number of Women Attorneys
Legal Alerts Jun 24, 2021
EPA Publishes Instructions for Water Utilities to Obtain Chemicals in Short Supply
Water Agencies Can Obtain Priority to Chlorine and Other Chemicals
Free Webinar Jun 23, 2021
Now That You Have ARPA Funds – What’s Next?
BB&K Free Webinar
Legal Alerts Jun 10, 2021
EPA and Army Corps to Propose Repealing and Replacing the Navigable Waters Protection Rule
Legal Filing Asks Court to Remand 2020 Rule Narrowing Scope of Clean Water Act
Press Releases Jun 08, 2021
BB&K Attorneys Return to Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Stars List
Megan Garibaldi, Ryan Guiboa and Jennifer Misetich on 2021 List
BB&K In the News Jun 02, 2021
Partner Lowry Crook Discusses Army Corps with E&E News
White House Proposed Budget Impacts Army Corps Work
Press Releases May 28, 2021
BB&K Ranked No. 12 in U.S. on Diversity Scorecard
The American Lawyer Gave Firm High Rankings for Minority Equity Partners and Hispanic Attorneys
Authored Articles & Publications May 26, 2021
Planning, Zoning and Development Legal Update
A Q&A With BB&K Of Counsel Todd Leishman and Partner Alisha Winterswyk
BB&K In the News May 13, 2021
Public Finance Partner Mrunal Shah Discusses Climate Change Disclosures with The Bond Buyer
California Looks to Uniform Reporting Framework
Authored Articles & Publications Apr 22, 2021
Earth Day: Municipal Bond Climate Change Disclosure Update
Climate Change Disclosures are Growing in Importance, Writes BB&K's Mrunal Shah in PublicCEO
Client Successes Apr 21, 2021
Citing Potential Water Waste, Court Sides with California Dam Operators
Federal Court Denies Injunction
Press Releases Apr 21, 2021
Shawn Hagerty Named a San Diego Best Attorney 2021
Annual San Diego Metro Magazine List Includes BB&K Partner
BB&K In the News Apr 20, 2021
Legal Analysis Reports Following Groundwater Pumping Decision
Daily Journal and Law360 Go In-Depth on BB&K Antelope Valley Groundwater Adjudication Success
Event Apr 19, 2021
Water, Cable Franchising and Federal Communications Updates
International Municipal Lawyers Association 2021 Mid-Year Seminar
Legal Alerts Apr 19, 2021
Beware of Coastal Act Violations: Court Upholds Coastal Commission’s Authority to Impose up to $20 Million Penalty
Property Owner’s Beach Access Case
Authored Articles & Publications Apr 13, 2021
Court Grants Attorneys' Fees Against City in Development Litigation
CEQA Appellate Court Decision Analyzed by BB&K's Amanda Daams in PublicCEO
Press Releases Mar 31, 2021
BB&K Attorneys Recognized as 2021 San Diego Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Congratulations to the Honorees
Legal Alerts Mar 25, 2021
Appellate Decisions Limiting Groundwater Pumping in an Overdrafted Basin
Antelope Valley Groundwater Basin Adjudication
Client Successes Mar 17, 2021
BB&K Secures Key Groundwater Pumping Rights Ruling
Decision in Antelope Valley Groundwater Basin Adjudication First of its Kind
Press Releases Feb 03, 2021
BB&K Office Makes Sacramento Top 10 Law Firm
Sacramento Business Journal’s Annual Law Firm Rankings
Press Releases Jan 26, 2021
Six BB&K Attorneys Make Southern California Super Lawyers List
BB&K Attorneys Spanning Across Los Angeles and Irvine Receive 2021 Honor
Key Contacts
Related Services
- Air Quality
- California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
- California Public Utilities Commission
- Endangered Species
- Energy
- Environmental Litigation
- Government Relations
- Hazardous Waste
- Land Use, Planning & Zoning
- Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO)
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- Renewable Energy
- Telecommunications
- Transportation
- Water
- Water Quality
- Water Rights