Sky Stanfield Email & Phone Number

San Francisco Bay Area

San Francisco Bay Area

Sky Stanfield practices renewable energy law, with a focus on regulatory policy implementation, compliance and permitting processes. Ms. Stanfield regularly works on the development and refinement of state and federally regulated interconnection standards, playing an active role in improving the clarity and efficiency of these processes. She participates in rulemakings before state public utility commissions and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission surrounding creation of market rate policies for wholesale renewables, energy storage, net metering, community shared renewables and related topics. She also assists clients with project specific interconnection and regulatory issues associated with the development of distributed solar and energy storage projects.

Provided regulatory advice to non-profits and renewable energy companies interested in advancing renewable energy policy across the United States. Lead efforts to implement major reforms to interconnection procedures at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as well as in various states including California, North Carolina, Illinois and others. Developed leading publications on distributed energy storage policy, interconnection, grid modernization and local building and electrical permitting for rooftop solar systems.

Provided regulatory compliance advice to clients operating under federal and state environmental statutory regimes. Negotiated with public agencies regarding permitting and enforcement actions and litigate those claims when necessary. Lead plaintiff's attorney on significant FLPMA/NEPA case challenging off-road vehicle route proliferation on public lands. Draft memoranda advising clients on AB32, SB375 and other climate legislation. Speaker at events on climate change, sustainability and land use related topics. Lead efforts to register the firm on the California Climate Action Registry and to advance internal green business efforts.

Drafted legal memoranda and proposed orders on all aspects of a major environmental law case concerning distribution of water and restoration of fisheries in the San Joaquin River. Conducted research regarding federal water contracts, the Reclamation Act, the California Constitution, NEPA, the ESA, and remedies.

Researched and wrote memoranda on federal and state environmental law issues, including land use, air quality, and energy for a variety of local government and non-profit clients. Drafted briefs, comment letters, and complaints.

Authored a report on the corrective justice options available domestically and internationally to create environmental and human rights accountability in countries with little rule of law. Assisted in preparation of briefing and oral argument for the Supreme Court's hearing of Sosa v. Alvarez-Machain, which reviewed the reach of the Alien Tort Claims Act.

Monitored the status of the permit review process for proposed power plants, oil refinery projects, and major residential and commercial developments on behalf of labor clients. Investigated new development projects throughout California. Attended California Energy Commission power plant siting hearings on behalf of clients.

Participated in Climate Action Network meetings, State Department Climate Change Briefings, and other climate change focused planning meetings on NRDC’s behalf. Researched the World Bank’s investment policies on energy lending and coordinated the drafting of NRDC’s comments on policy revisions.

J.D.

Activities and Societies: Ecology Law Quarterly Environmental Law Society

Ba, Environmental Studies

Activities and Societies: Phi Beta Kappa, High Honors for Thesis on Reducing Vehicle Carbon Emissions