I help clients navigate the complexities of energy and environmental regulations.
Elza Bouhassira supports and advises clients in the energy and climate sectors with regulatory compliance, project development, and permitting matters on the local, state, and federal levels. She has counseled clients with regard to complex regulatory landscapes, environmental matters, and project diligence.
Elza has a background in environmental and climate law. While in law school, she interned at the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law where she conducted research on tort liability associated with ocean carbon dioxide removal experiments and contributed to a database on international climate change litigation. As a legal intern on the litigation team at the Natural Resources Defense Council, Elza analyzed questions on standing, marine mammal protection, and the impacts of recent court decisions on pending matters. Previously, she worked at environmental nonprofits focused on clean water, environmental education, and the cryosphere.
Duke University School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2024
Columbia University, B.A., magna cum laude, 2019
Sciences Po Paris, B.A., 2019
Bar and Court Admissions
BAR ADMISSIONS
New York
Experience
Counseled national land-based wind developer on New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting permit requirements and processes for repowering six existing wind facilities.
Advised solar energy developer with respect to New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission’s permit requirements and processes.
Advised battery storage developer on New York permitting requirements.
Represented national historic preservation organization in federal litigation challenging the lawfulness of a major government construction project.
Represented recipients of federal environmental and climate grants in litigation challenging the termination of federal grant awards.
Advised private clients on aspects of the New York State environmental permitting process including storm water permit, wetlands, environmental justice, and pesticide registration requirements.
Conducted environmental and regulatory due diligence in renewable energy transactions.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Legal Intern, Natural Resources Defense Council
Legal Intern, Columbia Law School Sabin Center for Climate Change Law
Honors & Involvement
HONORS
Received Autumn 2025 Mondaq Thought Leadership Awards in both the U.S. Environmental Law and the Energy and Natural Resources Categories
Editor-in-Chief of the Duke Environmental Law & Policy Forum
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