Douglas A. Hastings
Doug Hastings focuses his practice on complex litigation, particularly in the areas of administrative and environmental law. Doug has an extensive background in litigating claims under the Administrative Procedure Act and other matters involving federal agencies. He also routinely assists clients with regulatory issues, from compliance advice to administrative comments to agency adjudicative proceedings.
Doug works with clients across different industries to achieve their objectives before numerous government agencies and departments, including the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Energy (DOE), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), and various state environmental and transportation agencies. He often works with clients to pursue long-term goals through a combination of administrative advocacy, comments on agency rulemakings, and litigation.
Doug has frequently litigated administrative law challenges under statutes that provide for direct review in the federal courts of appeals, as well as Administrative Procedure Act cases in federal district courts. His work includes both challenges to agency rules and orders and intervention in support of agencies whose actions are under attack.
In the environmental space, Doug represents clients in a variety of matters related to climate change and other Clean Air Act issues. He has represented multiple state entities in litigation over issues including states’ public trust responsibilities and compliance with air quality standards. Doug also represents biofuels and agricultural groups in matters related to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program and greenhouse gas regulations. He has frequently assisted clients with Superfund matters, including contribution litigation in federal courts and advice regarding contaminated site investigations.
- Harvard Law School, 2013, Juris Doctor, cum laude
- Duke University, 2009, Bachelor of Arts, Environmental Science and Policy, magna cum laude
- District of Columbia
- Virginia
- US Supreme Court
- US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
- US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
- US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
- US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
- US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
- US District Court for the District of Columbia
Recommended, Environment: regulatory, The Legal 500 US (2023, 2024)
Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch, Litigation - Environmental, Washington, DC (2023–2025)
Recipient, Gilbert Award for Pro Bono Excellence (2019)
Article Editor, Harvard Environmental Law Review