- Overcame substantial opposition to achieve the approval of a $750 million upgrade to a California refinery. Issues included hazards, endangered species, air quality impacts and others. Drafted one of the first comprehensive analyses of climate change impacts in an environmental impact report.
- Assisted a gold mining company in obtaining approval of the first new gold mine in California in nearly 20 years. Developed a strategy that resulted in the dismissal of all administrative appeals and the avoidance of litigation.
- Obtained permits for the 200-acre expansion of a limestone mine. Worked with a world-renown bighorn sheep expert to develop the mitigation proposal for a nearby herd of bighorn sheep. Worked closely with community outreach experts to ensure community support and avoid litigation.
- Assisted an electric generation developer in permitting a 120 megawatt solar photovoltaic facility on 960 acres in Kern County, California. The project was approved over objections from a defense contractor that the facility would interfere with sensitive research and testing programs ten miles away.
- Obtained the approval of a 26-mile jet fuel pipeline through five cities and the county of Los Angeles to deliver fuel from the Port of Los Angeles to LAX. Successfully defended challenges to the environmental impact report’s analysis of risk of release and hazards. Defeated the plaintiff’s motion for more than $400,000 in attorneys’ fees. Additional analysis of alternatives was not challenged.
- Represented manufacturers, refineries and other clients in hundreds of hearings concerning air quality compliance and permitting.
Senior Counsel,
- Phone: 415.243.1017
- Email: jocelyn.thompson@alston.com
From bighorn sheep to a $750 million refinery upgrade, Jocelyn advises her clients on compliance with the full range of environmental laws and assists in conducting compliance audits associated with transactional matters. She shepherds complex projects through every phase, working with her clients to overcome regulatory obstacles.