Industry focus
I enjoy working with other hardworking individuals to solve problems. It is particularly rewarding to see operations growing and succeeding despite the many challenges they face.
How I represent clients at Schwabe
I work with companies and individuals to navigate complex natural resource and environmental regulations and to obtain permits and authorizations in Oregon and Washington. I defend and resolve enforcement and regulatory actions from environmental and natural resources agencies. My experience includes water rights; water quality; wetlands; endangered, threatened, and sensitive species; Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs); public and federal lands; and solid waste.
Chambers & Partners USA, client highlights
“Elizabeth not only has a great understanding of environmental regulations, she also has a terrific collaborative approach that is welcomed by her clients.”
“Elizabeth is well-versed in the current legal and regulatory challenges relating to the use of water in Oregon. When a discussion is needed on an emerging concern in this realm, Elizabeth is the go-to contact.”
“Elizabeth Howard is very good. She is an expert in her field of agricultural and water law and she is really impressive.”
Experience
- Assisted applicants in obtaining water rights (storage, groundwater, surface water), transfers, permit amendments and extensions, groundwater modifications, and other authorizations from and agreements with the Oregon Water Resources Department.
- Assisted in obtaining Oregon state removal/fill permits, Section 404 (Army Corps of Engineers) permits, and Section 401 state water quality certifications
- Assisted in navigating fish and wildlife mitigation obligations and fish passage authorizations.
- Coordinated and led consultant, engineer, public relations, and attorney teams to timely complete complex projects and permitting.
- Provided wetlands, water rights, environmental, and public lands rights of way (access) due diligence.
- Assisted landowners and entities in developing legislative concepts. Participated in rulemaking and legislative work groups.
- Defended and resolved enforcement actions issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Department of State Lands, Department of Agriculture, Water Resources Department, and Department of Forestry.
- Represented parties in contested cases before the Oregon Administrative Hearings Office.
- Resolved, through stipulated agreement and mutual order and agreement, various Oregon Department of Agriculture and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality claims.
- Resolved public land trespass notices and enforcement actions related to fires, grazing, and access.
- Led CAFO general permit litigation and counseled industry organizations regarding general CAFO permit issuance in Oregon and Washington.
- Defended and settled reforestation and harvest violations issued by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
- Assisted in the development of Biological Assessments and Biological Evaluations, and obtaining Biological Opinions.
Education
- Oregon State University, Bachelor of Science degree, Agriculture and Resource Economics (1998)
- Lewis & Clark, Law School, Juris Doctor, magna cum laude (2001)
Admissions
- Oregon State Courts
- Washington State Courts
- U.S. Court of Appeals - Ninth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals - Tenth Circuit
- U.S. District Court - District of Oregon
- U.S. Supreme Court
Memberships
- Oregon State Bar, Agricultural Law Section, Former Chair
- Oregon State Bar, Environmental & Natural Resources Law Section, Member
Awards
- Ranked by Chambers USA for Environment Lawyers in Oregon (2021-2026)
- Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Portland Water Law (2022)
- Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®, Water Law (2012-2026)
- Oregon State University, College of Agricultural Sciences Alumni Luminary award (2011)
- Selected to Oregon Super Lawyers Rising Star List, Environmental Law (2008-2012, 2014-2015)
- Portland Business Journal, Forty Under 40 award (2009)
Services
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