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. I also defend and resolve enforcement and regulatory actions from environmental and natural resources agencies in Oregon. My experience includes water; wetlands; endangered, threatened, and sensitive species; Confined Animal Feeding Operations; fertilizers and pesticides; and public and federal lands.
I have a strong focus on natural resources, agriculture, and commercial and residential development. Because of my time working within these industries, I am regarded as a trusted legal advisor, guiding clients through all aspects of their operations and business activities.
I work with landowners, developers, investors, farms, ranches, dairies, energy development companies, timberland owners, ports, and cities throughout Oregon and Washington.
Chambers & Partners USA, client highlights
“Elizabeth is very knowledgeable and thoughtful in her client approach. We enjoy working with her.”
“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, Section 401 state water quality certifications, Mutual Order and Agreements, and fish passage authorizations.
- 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.
- Coordinated and led consultant, engineer, public relations, and attorney teams to timely complete complex projects and to defend against state regulatory actions.
- Provided water rights due diligence, environmental due diligence, and public lands rights of way (access) due diligence and advice for developments, real estate transactions, asset purchases, and mergers and acquisitions.
- Assisted landowners and entities in developing federal and state legislative concepts. Participated in rulemaking and legislative work groups.
- Represented applicants in contested cases before the Oregon Administrative Hearings Office.
- Resolved fish damage and water quality impact claims (civil and administrative) through a negotiated settlement with multiple state and federal agencies.
- Resolved public land trespass notices and enforcement actions related to fires, grazing, and access.
- Resolved, through stipulated agreement and mutual order and agreement, various Oregon Department of Agriculture claims related to pesticide labeling, use, and applications.
- Resolved grazing permit enforcement actions and restored grazing activity on U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands.
- Defended high profile enforcement and termination actions for individual CAFO permit issued to Oregon dairy.
- Defended and settled reforestation and harvest violations issued by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
- Assisted in 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 for Environment Lawyers in Oregon, Chambers USA (2021-2024)
- Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Portland Water Law (2022)
- Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®, Water Law (2012-2025)
- 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)
- Best Law Firms, “Law Firm of the Year” in Timber Law, Team Member (2015, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024)
- Best Law Firms, National Tier 1 Firm in Timber Law, Team Member (2011-2024)
Services
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