E. Carter Chandler Clements

Carter represents clients in federal appellate and district court litigation and regulatory matters arising under the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, and other environmental statutes. She also counsels clients on environmental aspects of business transactions.

A major focus of Carter’s practice involves advising clients in matters arising under the Clean Air Act, including in agency rulemakings and litigation. In particular, she represents clients in matters relating to interstate pollution and air quality standards. She has represented clients in federal appellate and district court litigation involving the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, and other environmental statutes.

Carter also regularly counsels clients on environmental aspects of complex business transactions, including due diligence and drafting and negotiation of agreements and other transaction documents. Her recent work has included advising purchasers and tax equity investors on environmental matters relating to wind, solar, and other renewable energy projects, and advising corporate clients regarding environmental aspects of business acquisitions. Carter also has experience representing clients involved in environmental commodities trading and has a background in corporate and transactional law.

Relevant Experience

• Represented industry parties in the US Supreme Court and the US Courts of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and the Eighth Circuit in litigation involving the scope of and limits on Environmental Protection Agency’s authority under the Clean Air Act to regulate emissions to address interstate air quality.
• Has represented utility and other industry clients in federal district and appellate court litigation under the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act.
• Represents electric utility and other industry clients in regulatory matters, including agency rulemakings under the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and other federal statutes.
• Represents investors and lenders in environmental matters in connection with the development and acquisition of major energy facilities (including coal, gas, wind, solar, and geothermal).
• Represented land-owning companies in Endangered Species Act litigation resulting in precedent-setting appellate court decision.
• Represented international manufacturing company in Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act litigation involving a major industrial site.
• Drafts and negotiates verified emission reduction purchase agreements (VERPAs) and renewable energy certificate (REC) purchase agreements for both buyers and sellers.

• Recognized as 2021 Environmental Group of the Year, Law360, January 2022
• 2021 and 2017 Chambers USA Environment Law Firm of the Year
• Selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers, “Rising Star,” Environmental Litigation, Washington DC Super Lawyers, 2013 and 2014
• E. Randolph Williams Award for Outstanding Pro Bono Service, 2010-2011