Monica A. Schwebs
Monica A. Schwebs has experience in federal and state energy and environmental regulatory matters. She represents a variety of clients including developers, financial institutions, utilities, and government agencies. Monica has handled a wide variety of matters relating to renewable and natural gas–fired power plants, storage, transmission, natural gas (including liquefied natural gas), petroleum refining and oil pipelines, hydroelectric licensing, appliance energy efficiency standards, climate change, and regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.
She has represented clients in matters before federal and state courts and before agencies such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, US Department of Energy, US Department of Transportation, US Environmental Protection Agency, California Public Utilities Commission, California Energy Commission, California Independent System Operator, and California Air Resources Board.
Monica previously worked as a staff counsel for the California Energy Commission. She represented the commission in judicial proceedings in both federal and state courts and in administrative proceedings before federal and state agencies.
Before entering state service, Monica served as a trial attorney for the US Department of Justice Environment and Natural Resources Division in Washington, DC. She served as lead counsel in federal court cases for many federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency. The cases she handled were brought under a variety of environmental laws, including air, water, coastal zone management, hazardous waste, and pesticide laws.
Prior to entering public service, Monica practiced both energy and environmental law at a major national firm in its Washington, DC, office.
- Princeton University, 1979, Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude
- University of Virginia School of Law, 1982, Juris Doctor
- California
- District of Columbia
Recommended, Energy regulation: conventional power, The Legal 500 US (2021)
Member, Law Firm of the Year, Energy/Projects: Power (including Renewables), Chambers USA (2018)
Member, Practice Group of the Year, Energy, Law360 (2016)
Member, Energy Law Firm of the Year, US News & World Report/Best Lawyers (2015)
Board of Directors, Energy Bar Association (2009–2012)
Co-chair, Climate Change and Emissions Committee, Energy Bar Association (2008–2010)
Co-chair, Renewable Energy Committee, Energy Bar Association (2007–2008)
Past vice chair, Committee on Renewable Energy Resources, American Bar Association
Past vice chair, Special Committee on Environmental Disclosures, American Bar Association
Past vice chair, Special Committee on Energy and Environmental Finance, American Bar Association
Special Commendation for Outstanding Service, US Department of Justice