Ryan Gallagher Email & Phone Number

San Francisco, California, United States

Successfully defended an air district's landmark air pollution control rule against a federal preemption challenge by industry groups. Represented community organizations in efforts to oppose redevelopment of defunct mines in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Obtained a favorable settlement for a community group in the Central Valley addressing violations of the California Environmental Quality Act. Drafted a U.S. Supreme Court amicus brief on behalf of a coalition of local governments in Sheetz v… Show more Successfully defended an air district's landmark air pollution control rule against a federal preemption challenge by industry groups. Represented community organizations in efforts to oppose redevelopment of defunct mines in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Obtained a favorable settlement for a community group in the Central Valley addressing violations of the California Environmental Quality Act. Drafted a U.S. Supreme Court amicus brief on behalf of a coalition of local governments in Sheetz v. County of El Dorado, No. 22-1074. Show less

Billings, Montana, United States

Stanford, California, United States

Argued for Appellants in California Coastkeeper Alliance, et al. v. California State Lands Commission (Cal. Ct. App. Feb. 17, 2021). Argued for Petitioner in National Parks Conservation Association v. FERC (9th Cir. Oct. 13, 2020).Drafted merits briefs, California Supreme Court cert petition, complaint, amicus brief, and comment letter regarding the California Coastal Act, California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, public trust doctrine, and other areas of… Show more Argued for Appellants in California Coastkeeper Alliance, et al. v. California State Lands Commission (Cal. Ct. App. Feb. 17, 2021). Argued for Petitioner in National Parks Conservation Association v. FERC (9th Cir. Oct. 13, 2020).Drafted merits briefs, California Supreme Court cert petition, complaint, amicus brief, and comment letter regarding the California Coastal Act, California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, public trust doctrine, and other areas of state and federal law. Presented public comment regarding state agency compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. Show less

San Francisco Bay Area

Drafted briefs on state/federal choice-of-law issues, on mitigation under the California Environmental Quality Act, and on municipal challenges to ballot initiatives. Researched and wrote memoranda regarding the application of physical and regulatory takings law to water rights, municipal tort immunity, nonparty challenges to restrictive covenants, and changes to the implementing regulations of the National Environmental Policy Act. Presented public comment and drafted comment letters regarding… Show more Drafted briefs on state/federal choice-of-law issues, on mitigation under the California Environmental Quality Act, and on municipal challenges to ballot initiatives. Researched and wrote memoranda regarding the application of physical and regulatory takings law to water rights, municipal tort immunity, nonparty challenges to restrictive covenants, and changes to the implementing regulations of the National Environmental Policy Act. Presented public comment and drafted comment letters regarding CEQA compliance. Analyzed proposed amendments to conservation easements and municipal contracts. Show less

Sacramento, California, United States

Environment, Land Law, and Natural Resources SectionsDrafted briefs opposing the compulsion of evidence from a nonparty state agency and opposing a third-party oil company’s attempt to intervene in an offshore mineral lease dispute. Prepared memoranda on municipal zoning authority and on the duty to preserve evidence. Presented analysis to client agencies. Helped attorneys prepare for oral argument.

Sacramento, California, United States

Environmental Analyst II - December 2017-June 2018Environmental Analyst I - February-December 2017Researched and wrote federal- and state-level environmental regulatory documents, permit applications, white papers, and policy surveys for a range of clients, including Native American tribes, private companies, and state and local governments.

J.D.

Activities and Societies: Environmental Law Journal (Co-Editor-in-Chief, Vols. 39-40) | Environmental Law Pro Bono Project (Co-President).

A.B., Environmental Studies & Government, Magna Cum Laude

Activities and Societies: Phi Beta Kappa | Citations for exemplary performance in eight courses | Rufus Choate Scholar (2014-2016) | 2014.