Emily J. Dupraz
Emily J. Dupraz represents clients in environmental litigation, regulatory compliance and enforcement, and permitting. She advocates for clients in litigation brought by and against environmental agencies and private parties under federal and state environmental laws and in regulatory proceedings. Emily’s matters regularly involve CERCLA, RCRA, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, NEPA, and state equivalents. Emily is a problem solver, approaching cases with a practical, strategic mindset focused on achieving the best result for her clients.
In litigation, Emily represents clients in CERCLA cost-recovery and contribution litigation in both federal and state courts, including cases involving claims for natural resource damages. She also defends against environmental torts due to potential exposures to hazardous substances on land, in water, and in the air. Emily regularly works with technical experts to develop effective defenses grounded in science. She also counsels clients on potential litigation risk from unique exposure scenarios and emerging contaminants, such as contamination from land application of industrial biosolids containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Emily routinely helps clients investigate policies and practices presenting environmental regulatory risks and implement mitigation strategies. Her experience in enforcement matters includes representing clients in negotiations with US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regions 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 and with regulators in a dozen different states to achieve settlements with significant penalty reductions.
Emily also represents energy clients in project counseling and construction litigation, including matters involving defective work and equipment. She has also counseled clients in matters involving permit challenges to controversial infrastructure projects. In public dealings, Emily leverages her background in communications and speechwriting to emphasize project strengths while addressing key community concerns.
Emily maintains an active pro bono practice and serves on the board of trustees for two nonprofit organizations that work to provide vital social services.
