Brandon Rattiner uses his legal and public policy expertise to help clients navigate clean energy, environmental, climate change, and public lands issues.

Brandon focuses on energy and environmental matters, with a particular expertise in civil and administrative litigation. He has advised clients on clean energy regulation, litigation, and project development, and on issues arising under a wide variety of environmental and natural resources laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, CERCLA, FLPMA, NEPA, and RCRA. He has extensive knowledge of climate change issues, including current rules and emerging regulatory trends in energy markets, renewable power generation and transmission, decarbonization, clean transportation, emissions reductions, sustainability, and land conservation.

Brandon also has significant experience in federal and state policy. He previously served as U.S. Senator Mark Udall’s Denver Metro Area Regional Director, where he developed a deep expertise in the region’s civic, economic development, infrastructure, energy, and environmental issues. Brandon also led efforts to protect and increase funding for land conservation during multiple sessions of the Colorado General Assembly.

Prior to joining the Firm, Brandon worked as an associate at a global law firm and clerked for the Honorable Carolyn McHugh of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

During law school, Brandon interned for the Honorable Patricia Millett of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. He also interned for the Environmental Enforcement Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, and for the Environmental Defense Fund’s Climate and Air Regulatory team. Brandon was an Executive Articles Editor of the Georgetown Law Journal and graduated with exceptional pro bono honors.

Representative Experience

Prior to joining the firm, Brandon:

• Advised clients on strategy for resolving environmental enforcement actions brought by federal and state regulators.
• Advised clients on environmental risks in connection with mergers, acquisitions, and strategic investments.
• Advised an auto manufacturer on applications for certificate of conformity, ABT credits, AECD disclosures, defect reporting, engine labeling, delegated assembly, and other mobile source issues.
• Represented conservation and scientific organizations in a lawsuit challenging a Presidential Proclamation reducing the size of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, including managing a related Freedom of Information Act litigation.
• Drafted model state legislation to decarbonize agricultural processes and authored white papers on circular economy policies.
• Drafted comments for a Bureau of Ocean Energy Management GHG emissions rulemaking.
• Represented a policyholder in litigation resolving hurricane damage insurance claims, resulting in a $247 million settlement.
• Represented civil rights organizations as part of a voter intimidation rapid response team during the 2020 election.

Professional and Civic Activities / Awards

• Colorado Jewish Community Relations Council, Advocacy Chair, 2012–15
• National Renewable Energy Lab, Executive Energy Leadership Academy Graduate, 2013
• Denver Regional Council of Governments, Citizens’ Academy Graduate, 2012
• 1st Place, ABA Public Land and Resources Law Student Writing Competition
• 3rd Place, ABA Energy Law Student Writing Competition