Senior Attorney, Clean Transportation

Environmental Defense Fund•Rayne Township, PA

13d•Remote

About The Position

The Senior Attorney, Clean Transportation, will play a substantial role in EDF’s legal and regulatory advocacy for clean transportation in US states. The Senior Attorney will help lead or support EDF’s advocacy on a wide range of innovative and impactful state and local transportation programs, including California mobile source emissions standards, State funding and incentive programs for zero-emission vehicles and charging infrastructure, and other policies. The Senior Attorney will be an integral part of EDF’s Legal and Regulatory team; collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of attorneys, scientists, economists, and policy specialists; and represent EDF before important governmental, private, and non-government stakeholders. EDF is creating this new position to meet our growing needs in this critical area for clean air and climate. The position will report to Lead Counsel, Clean Transportation. The Senior Attorney will join a team that possesses a deep commitment to protecting public health and the planet. The current team members share a growth mindset to continuously learn and apply new legal and non-legal skills in challenging and quickly changing circumstances, as well as a culture that values integrity, optimism, innovation, respect, and results.

Requirements

5+ years of relevant legal experience required, including significant experience in environmental, energy, and/or administrative law, with a preference for experience in clean transportation or air quality.
Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing of the bar of a State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
Demonstrated experience in regulatory advocacy, litigation, and/or policy development at the state or federal level.
Experience with issues relating to preemption of State and local programs under the Clean Air Act and Energy Policy and Conservation Act.
Excellent oral and written communication, presentation, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities; attentive to detail, proactive, and highly organized.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team across multiple time zones.
Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
Commitment to EDF’s mission and values, and to advancing clean air and climate solutions.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Ability and willingness to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

Lead and support EDF’s legal and regulatory advocacy for clean transportation and zero-emission vehicle policies before the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and other State legislative and regulatory bodies, including advocating before state officials, drafting comments and administrative petitions, and engaging in subsequent litigation.
Collaborate with other EDF teams working on related areas, including state and local program leads focused on heavy-duty electrification and charging infrastructure.
Provide expert legal counsel on clean air and transportation issues, including those relating to preemption of state programs under the Clean Air Act and Energy Policy Conservation Act, Clean Air Act Indirect Source Review programs, and relevant state laws.
Analyze key legal authorities and develop legal memoranda to support strategic decision making.
Participate in advancing EDF Organizational Effectiveness and Culture (OEC) goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.
Develop litigation strategy in complex cases and support EDF’s broader legal and litigation priorities.
Support the development of reports and white papers to influence public policy and engage in public education.
Represent EDF in federal and state litigation relating to state clean transportation policies.
Lead development of briefs, motions, and other litigation documents.
Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, such as government officials; industry representatives; and environmental, public health, and environmental justice allies.
Represent EDF in key fora such as advocacy coalition meetings, rulemaking proceedings, and industry conferences.
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of experts in policy, communications, science, and technical analysis to advance EDF’s transportation advocacy.
Manage and coordinate with EDF’s external litigation counsel on relevant matters.
Assist Development staff in fundraising, including drafting funding proposals and reports for benefactors and foundations.
Mentor and supervise junior legal staff and interns as needed.
Continuously seek ways to improve EDF’s processes, including through the responsible and ethical use of innovative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Additional relevant responsibilities as assigned.