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
Professional Activities and Memberships
- Member, American Bar Association’s Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources Superfund and Natural Resource Damages Litigation Committee
- Former Co-Chair, ABA’s Clean Technology & Climate Change Committee
- Participant, Environmental Law Institute’s Emerging Leaders Initiative
- Spanish
Elizabeth's Insights
Client Alert | 1 min read | 06.24.24
On June 6, 2024, the General Services Administration (GSA) issued a final rule seeking to minimize the use of single-use plastic (SUP) packaging materials in goods procured through the Federal Supply Schedules (FSS). Rather than instituting an outright ban on SUP packaging, GSA opted to incentivize FSS contractors to offer SUP-free products through providing a special icon in GSA Advantage for FSS contractors self-certifying that their products are SUP-free. The final rule explains that the SUP-free icon is intended to act “as an important discriminator when buyers are making purchasing decisions” so that FSS contractors that adopt this voluntary measure will become more marketable in the federal procurement space. While application of the final rule is limited to purchases from the FSS, GSA believes that the final rule will “also create positive spillovers as non-FSS contracting firms adopt similar policies to compete with FSS contractors in non-FSS markets.” GSA also explained that the final rule is an “initial step” in providing more sustainable packaging and that the goal is to encourage other federal agencies to eventually adopt these practices into other government contracts. Importantly, GSA will rely on self-certification that identified products are SUP-free and will not require any third-party verification, as the increased regulatory burden could discourage participation of small businesses. The final rule is effective starting July 8, 2024.
Client Alert | 2 min read | 05.20.24
Press Coverage | 03.13.24
Why The SEC Climate Rule Might Not Standardize Emissions Reporting
Recognition
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, 2023
Elizabeth's Insights
Client Alert | 1 min read | 06.24.24
On June 6, 2024, the General Services Administration (GSA) issued a final rule seeking to minimize the use of single-use plastic (SUP) packaging materials in goods procured through the Federal Supply Schedules (FSS). Rather than instituting an outright ban on SUP packaging, GSA opted to incentivize FSS contractors to offer SUP-free products through providing a special icon in GSA Advantage for FSS contractors self-certifying that their products are SUP-free. The final rule explains that the SUP-free icon is intended to act “as an important discriminator when buyers are making purchasing decisions” so that FSS contractors that adopt this voluntary measure will become more marketable in the federal procurement space. While application of the final rule is limited to purchases from the FSS, GSA believes that the final rule will “also create positive spillovers as non-FSS contracting firms adopt similar policies to compete with FSS contractors in non-FSS markets.” GSA also explained that the final rule is an “initial step” in providing more sustainable packaging and that the goal is to encourage other federal agencies to eventually adopt these practices into other government contracts. Importantly, GSA will rely on self-certification that identified products are SUP-free and will not require any third-party verification, as the increased regulatory burden could discourage participation of small businesses. The final rule is effective starting July 8, 2024.
Client Alert | 2 min read | 05.20.24
Press Coverage | 03.13.24
Why The SEC Climate Rule Might Not Standardize Emissions Reporting
Insights
Elizabeth's Insights
Client Alert | 1 min read | 06.24.24
On June 6, 2024, the General Services Administration (GSA) issued a final rule seeking to minimize the use of single-use plastic (SUP) packaging materials in goods procured through the Federal Supply Schedules (FSS). Rather than instituting an outright ban on SUP packaging, GSA opted to incentivize FSS contractors to offer SUP-free products through providing a special icon in GSA Advantage for FSS contractors self-certifying that their products are SUP-free. The final rule explains that the SUP-free icon is intended to act “as an important discriminator when buyers are making purchasing decisions” so that FSS contractors that adopt this voluntary measure will become more marketable in the federal procurement space. While application of the final rule is limited to purchases from the FSS, GSA believes that the final rule will “also create positive spillovers as non-FSS contracting firms adopt similar policies to compete with FSS contractors in non-FSS markets.” GSA also explained that the final rule is an “initial step” in providing more sustainable packaging and that the goal is to encourage other federal agencies to eventually adopt these practices into other government contracts. Importantly, GSA will rely on self-certification that identified products are SUP-free and will not require any third-party verification, as the increased regulatory burden could discourage participation of small businesses. The final rule is effective starting July 8, 2024.
Client Alert | 2 min read | 05.20.24
Press Coverage | 03.13.24
Why The SEC Climate Rule Might Not Standardize Emissions Reporting
