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
“We know she has our best interests in mind and contributes to the discussions creatively and collaboratively.”
“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 (2021-2025)
- 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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