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Shawn practices environmental and natural resources law and strategy. She specializes in Clean Water Act (CWA), Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, Endangered Species Act (ESA), Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) permitting, as well as the preparation of environmental documents under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Shawn represents local agencies, institutions, developers, energy companies, and other property owners in negotiations with federal and state regulators, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Office of Historic Preservation, and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards. She has extensive experience with Section 7 consultations under the ESA, and in preparing and processing Incidental Harassment Authorizations, Habitat Conservation Plans, Safe Harbor Agreements, complex individual CWA permits, Nationwide Permit authorizations, Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreements, Special Area Management Plans, Historic Property Treatment Plans, NEPA and CEQA documents, conservation easements, and mitigation funding agreements.
Shawn has successfully represented clients throughout California and the western states in evaluating the suitability of properties for development, securing federal and state resource permits, complying with Tribal consultation requirements, implementing wetland and species permits and mitigation plans, and when necessary, resolving violations and securing after-the-fact permits. She also advises wetlands conservation organizations.
Shawn frequently authors articles regarding trends in land use and natural resources law, and routinely speaks at professional conferences.
Representative matters may include engagements before joining Troutman Pepper.
articles editor, Constitutional Law Quarterly
Environmental Law and Policy Monitor
03.13.24
SEC Issues Final Climate Disclosure Rules, Paring Down Its 2022 Proposal, With Implications for Greenwashing Claims
Troutman Pepper Financial Services
01.29.24
With Delayed Federal Action on Mandatory Climate Disclosures, States and Regulators Fill the Void
Articles + Publications
November/December 2023
Regulatory Round-Up: How Recent Changes to Clean Water Act and National Environmental Policy Act Regulations May Affect Permitting and Licensing Actions
Environmental Law and Policy Monitor
11.29.23
Western Pond Turtle Listing Will Impact Land and Water Managers Throughout the Western U.S.
Articles + Publications
11.29.23
Western Pond Turtle Listing Will Impact Land and Water Managers Throughout the Western U.S.
Environmental Law and Policy Monitor
10.16.23
California Adopts Landmark GHG Emissions and Climate Risk Reporting Laws