Cherise Gaffney
Cherise Gaffney is an environmental and natural resources permitting attorney with over 25 years of experience guiding complex energy and large development projects through federal permitting and compliance issues.
With a focus on marine and riverine projects, Cherise’s clients include owners and developers of hydropower dams, offshore wind projects, wave energy projects, oil and gas facilities, and other complex development projects across the country. Cherise helps clients obtain timely approvals with reasonable conditions under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), Federal Power Act (FPA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and related federal and state laws. She has strong relationships with agency regulators and formerly served as counsel to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on endangered salmon and permitting issues in California.
Recognitions & Leadership
Included in The Best Lawyers in America® (Energy Regulatory Law, Environmental Law), 2013-2024
Named by Best Lawyers® as Energy Regulatory Law “Lawyer of the Year,” Seattle, 2022
National Hydropower Association (NHA), Chair, Regulatory Affairs Committee, 2022-2023, 2010-2011; Board Member 2010-2014; Vice President, 2012-2013; Chair, Legislative Affairs Committee, 2011-2012; Advisory Board Member, 2009-2010; Chair, Ocean, Tidal & New Technologies Council, 2008-2010
Northwest Hydroelectric Association (NWHA) General Counsel, 2016-2019
Recognized by Women in Hydro, Portland Chapter, for Contributions and Dedication to Hydropower, 2018
Selected as one of “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business” (Washington) by Chambers USA (Environment), 2014-2015
Recipient, “Women with Hydro Vision” Award, Hydrovision International Conference, 2015
Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition Board Member, 2007-2013
Department of Energy Waterpower Grant Program Peer Review Panel Member, 2009, 2011
Energy Bar Association Hydropower Committee Chair, 2008
ABA Hydropower Committee Vice-Chair, 2007-2008
ABA Endangered Species Committee Chair, 2004-2006; Vice Chair, 2001-2004
Recipient of PacifiCorp “Exceptional Leadership, Creativity and Dedication” Award in the Lewis River Hydropower Project settlement process, 2004.
Recipient of “Exceptional Performance and Dedication” Award, Interagency Task Force to Improve Hydroelectric Licensing Process, U.S. Departments of the Interior, Commerce, Energy, and Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2000
Bar Admissions
Washington
Alaska
Education
University of Washington, School of Law, LL.M., Law & Marine Affairs, 1998
American University, Washington College of Law, J.D., 1997
University of Washington, B.A., Political Science, 1993