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

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

U.S. Court of Federal Claims Rules for Bureau of Reclamation in City of Fresno Case Challenging 2014 Deliveries to San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors

On June 6, 2022, the United States Court of Federal Claims issued a decision in City of Fresno, et al. v. United States and San Luis & Delta Mendota Water ... Read More

Third District Court of Appeal Rejects CEQA Challenge to Project Converting Open Ditch to Pipe, Providing Valuable Guidance Regarding the Analysis of Indirect and Wildfire Impacts

A recent decision by the Third District Court of Appeal upholding El Dorado Irrigation District’s (EID) environmental document for a ditch piping project will provide helpful guidance to water agencies ... Read More

Education

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

Admissions

  • California

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