Claire B. Johnson | Environmental Law

Education

Vanderbilt University Law School

J.D., 2018, Development Editor, Environmental Law and Policy Annual Review, Development Editor; Journal of Transnational Law
Clemson University

B.S., Environmental and Natural Resources, Minor in Business Administration, 2015, cum laude, Calhoun Honors College, Thesis on the Land and Water Conservation Fund

Bar Admissions

Alabama, 2018

What type of clients do you represent?

My clients primarily include investor-owned power companies and non-profit power cooperatives. I also represent chemical and other manufacturing companies, and natural gas producers.
What do you find most exciting about your work?

Environmental law is always evolving and there is always something new to learn. As a result, my work is never boring and I love continuing to be a student of the law.
What previous experiences, prior to your work at Balch, influence your practice?

I have previous experience representing multifamily housing clients as they navigate mold and other indoor environmental pollutant claims. From this experience, I have learned how to work with clients to institute policies to address these, and other types of environmental claims, in an effort to prevent future litigation.

Select Matters

Interstate Transport: Drafted comments for electric generating companies regarding EPA’s actions on 2015 ozone NAAQS interstate transport SIPs. Represent electric generating companies in challenges to EPA’s SIP disapprovals. (Alabama, et al. v. EPA, No. 23-11173 (11th Cir. 2023)).
MATS (Mercury and Air Toxics Standards): Drafted public comments for several electric generation companies and national trade associations on EPA’s 2024 MATS Risk and Technology Review (RTR), as well as drafted comments on EPA’s 2025 proposed repeal of the MATS RTR. Represent electric generating cooperatives and national trade organizations in challenges of EPA’s 2024 MATS rule (North Dakota, et al. v. EPA, No. 24-1119 (D.C. Cir. 2024)).
Regulation of Greenhouse Gases: Drafted public comments for several electric generating companies and national trade associations on EPA’s 2024 “Carbon Pollution Standards” rule, regulating greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector, and EPA’s subsequent 2025 proposal to repeal GHG standards for the power sector.
Air Permitting: Assist manufacturing clients, electric generating clients, oil and gas clients in various air permitting efforts such as construction permits, minor operating permits, and Title V Operating Permits and assist with new generation projects.
Environmental Due Diligence: Lead team performing environmental due diligence for national, multi-party PFAS litigation.
New Source Review (NSR): Execute system compliance efforts relating to the CAA and NSR for various utilities.

Publications

News

Events & Speaking Engagements

Credentials

Education

Vanderbilt University Law School, J.D., 2018, Development Editor, Environmental Law and Policy Annual Review, Development Editor; Journal of Transnational Law
Clemson University, B.S., Environmental and Natural Resources, Minor in Business Administration, 2015, cum laude, Calhoun Honors College, Thesis on the Land and Water Conservation Fund

Courts

U.S. Supreme Court, 2024
U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit, 2024
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, 2022
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Alabama, 2018
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Alabama, 2018
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Alabama, 2018

Bar Admissions

Alabama, 2018

Professional Affiliations

Alabama State Bar, Environmental Law Section Chair
Southeastern Environmental Law & Regulation Conference Planning Committee
Birmingham Environmental Professionals Association
Birmingham Bar Association, Young Lawyers and Women’s Sections

Community Involvement

Freshwater Land Trust Junior Board, Past President
Junior League of Birmingham, past member