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.
Cherise’s clients include owners and developers of hydropower dams, offshore wind projects, wave energy projects, wind and solar energy projects, oil and gas facilities, transmission facilities, and other complex development projects across the country. Cherise helps clients obtain timely approvals with reasonable conditions under the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Federal Power Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and related laws. She has strong relationships with agency regulators and formerly served as counsel to the National Marine Fisheries Service on endangered salmon issues for forestry, hydropower and irrigation projects in California.
Recognitions & Leadership
Named by Best Lawyers® as Energy Regulatory Law “Lawyer of the Year,” Seattle 2022
Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® (Energy Regulatory Law, Environmental Law) 2013 - 2025
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 NWHA 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 (OREC) Board Member 2007 - 2013
Department of Energy (DOE) Waterpower Grant Program Peer Review Panel Member 2009 & 2011
American Bar Association (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 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