Samantha R. Caravello
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Samantha R. Caravello

Partner

Denver
303.825.7009

Drafting an effective legal argument is like snapping the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle into place – and for me, it’s just as satisfying. I love diving into a complex set of facts and rules, pulling out the key information, and arranging it just right to make a compelling case for my client.

Samantha Caravello focuses on environmental and energy issues and is heavily involved in the Firm’s litigation, administrative, and regulatory practices. Samantha advises clients on matters involving compliance with local, state, and federal environmental law, with a focus on climate and air quality. Her experience includes representing clients in state and federal court and before state administrative bodies, including the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission. Samantha is also committed to pro bono work and is currently representing a family seeking asylum in the United States.

Samantha previously worked for the Environmental Defense Fund, where she represented the organization in several matters related to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Bureau of Land Management regulations. In law school, she was active in multiple student organizations and served as co-Editor-in-Chief of Volume 39 of the Harvard Environmental Law Review.

Representative Experience

City of Los Angeles, California

Represented Los Angeles before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in a successful challenge to FAA flight procedures at Los Angeles International Airport under the National Environmental Policy Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act.

City and County of Denver, Colorado

Representing Denver in state court litigation defending against challenge to Denver’s methodology of calculating noise exposure levels pursuant to the 1988 Intergovernmental Agreement that led to the creation of Denver International Airport.

Colorado Oil and Gas Regulations

Represented environmental groups and coalition of local governments in Colorado Air Quality Control Commission rulemakings addressing air quality issues from oil and gas activities. Represented environmental and public health groups in related state court litigation.

Colorado Clean Car and Clean Truck Standards

Represented environmental groups and coalition of local governments in successfully advocating for the adoption of low-emission and zero-emission vehicle standards and clean truck standards before the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission. Represented environmental groups in defense of low-emission and zero-emission vehicle standards in state court litigation.

Environmental Defense Fund FOIA Litigation

Represented the Environmental Defense Fund in Freedom of Information Act lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia that resulted in disclosure of public records.

Additional Representative Litigation Experience:

  • Submitted amicus curiae briefs on behalf of nonprofit clients in high-profile federal litigation, including in challenge to national monument boundaries and in lawsuit alleging state law nuisance claims against fossil fuel companies.
  • Defended the Bureau of Land Management’s authority to regulate methane waste from oil and gas development on publicly- and tribally-owned lands at both district court and appellate levels; challenged efforts by subsequent administration to suspend and rescind regulations.

Resources and News

Awards and Recognition

News

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Publications