Katie van Heuven is an expert on a broad range of environmental and land use issues who specializes in airport and transportation projects.  She frequently advises clients on projects involving federal environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act and related local land use regulations.

Katie has extensive experience advising airport sponsors on matters involving compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations applicable to planning and environmental review for major airport projects.  She provides strategic counsel to numerous airport sponsors on matters related to compliance with federal grant assurances, drafting minimum standards and rules and regulations, and securing FAA approvals related to land acquisition and development.  Katie has litigated airport cases in multiple federal courts of appeal.

In addition, Katie has broad experience with projects concerning CERCLA, the Brownfields law, and state voluntary cleanup provisions.  She represents and advises clients before various federal agencies and courts, including rulemaking comments and litigation matters, and lobbies members of Congress and senior officials at various federal agencies on behalf of clients with regard to land use and natural resources issues.

Katie also has broad public policy experience.  She previously served as the senior legislative assistant on environment, energy, and natural resource issues for former U.S. Senator Paul Simon; as a policy analyst for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Constitution Subcommittee; and as a special assistant in the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Legislative Affairs.

Representative Experience

FAA Contract Tower Litigation
Lead author for the consolidated federal litigation brought in 2013 by a coalition of several dozen airports challenging the proposal to end funding for federal contract towers

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, Colorado
Represent airport sponsor in the development of runway, terminal, and airside improvements to implement a Master Plan Update in a physically constrained environment

Professional and Civic Activities

• Yale University, Alumni Schools Committee (2003–Present)
• Colorado Bar Association, Environmental Law Section, Advisory Council (2012–2015)
• Board of Directors, Montessori Academy of Colorado (2011–2014; Vice President, 2012–2013; President, 2013–2014)
• University of Colorado Leeds School of Business, 50 for Colorado Leadership Development Program (2003)