Somach Simmons and Dunn, Attorneys at Law Somach Simmons & Dunn | Attorneys at Law

Areas

Education

  • University of California, Davis School of Law (J.D., 2019)
  • University of California, Santa Cruz (B.A., 2015)

Admissions

  • California

Ellen M. Moskal
Associate
LinkedIn Bio

Ellen Moskal advises public and private clients across a range of natural resources matters, including water rights disputes, water quality enforcement actions, and air quality compliance.

Prior experience as an environmental planner, coupled with clerkships at the State Water Resources Control Board and Center for Biological Diversity, allows Ellen to offer a unique and well-rounded perspective on client projects.

While at King Hall pursuing a certificate in environmental law, Ellen participated in the Aoki Water Justice Clinic, served as an executive editor for Environs Environmental Law Journal, held board positions in three student organizations, and interned for the nonprofit Community Water Center.

In her free time, Ellen enjoys backpacking, running, cycling, and baking.

Insights and Activities

  • Panel Co-Chair, “The Future of California’s Water Infrastructure,” California Water Law Symposium, 2018
  • Symposium Chair, “Humans & Their Environment: Protecting Our Planet and Its Inhabitants” Environmental Law Society, UC Davis School of Law, 2018
  • Executive Editor, Environs Environmental Law Journal, 2017-2018

Recent Articles

Governor Newsom Suspends Environmental Permitting for Certain Flood Risk Mitigation Activities

On August 4, 2023, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-10-23, the latest in a series of executive orders addressing the impacts of the series of atmospheric rivers that caused a ... Read More

Reclamation Reinstates Water Management Plan Reporting for CVP Contractors

Reclamation recently announced that CVP contractors using 2,000 acre-feet or more of water must resume development and submittal of water management plans. The plan, which must address the efficient use ... Read More

Biden Administration’s Definition of “Waters of the United States” Goes Into Effect in Select States While Regulatory Uncertainty Continues

Controversy over the Clean Water Act definition of “waters of the United States” persists as the Biden Administration’s new rule goes into effect in 24 states, but is enjoined in ... Read More

Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta Water Districts to Receive Appellate Attorneys’ Fees as Private Attorneys’ General after Successfully Prosecuting the State Water Resources Control Board’s Curtailment Overreach in 2015

On April 4, 2023, the Santa Clara County Superior Court ordered the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) to reimburse a group of California irrigation districts and water agencies ... Read More

SGMA Implementation and CEQA: Is Now the Time to Reconsider a Statutory Exemption?

The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), which requires local agencies to form Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) to adopt Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) to ensure sustainable groundwater management in all high- ... Read More

Education

  • University of California, Davis School of Law (J.D., 2019)
  • University of California, Santa Cruz (B.A., 2015)

Admissions

  • California