Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP

Solar and wind energy are now the main drivers of new power capacity in the U.S., aided by initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. However, the U.S. electric grid struggles to keep up with this rapid energy transition. David J. Hayes, a Professor at Stanford University, explains why federal and state action is essential to modernize the grid and unlock the full potential of clean energy sources. https://lnkd.in/gzpWW4dx?

Heather Minner, SMW Partner, and Josh Kirmsse, SMW Attorney, celebrate a significant win with our clients California Solar & Storage Association, Solar Rights Alliance, CALPIRG (California Public Interest Research Group), Petitioner Karin Poelstra, and co-counsel CBD. The court granted a preliminary injunction halting enforcement of a California rule that would severely restrict solar contractors from installing and servicing battery storage systems.

The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is now the first marine preserve in California managed with Indigenous collaboration. The 4,543-square-mile sanctuary off California's Central Coast will ban oil drilling and provide protections for a region rich in cultural resources. It is overseen by NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians as a key partner. https://lnkd.in/gstgQg9u

Please join us in welcoming our new fellows: Caleb Hersh, Yeji Jung, and Shanthi Chackalackal!

Congratulations to SMW partner Heather Minner for joining the Board of Directors for the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. The Council works to plan, promote, and sustain a connected hiking, cycling, and equestrian trail on the ridgelines around San Francisco Bay. Together with its partners, the Council has dedicated over 400 trail miles, linking people, parks, and open space for today and future generations.? Heather is shown here celebrating the grand opening of 4.2 miles of newly-built Ridge Trail from Bothe-Napa Valley State Park to the historic Calistoga Depot in Napa County. “I am excited to put my land use experience to work for the Bay Area Ridge Trail and look forward to being part of a community that works towards and celebrates new trail connections,” said Heather about her new position. https://ridgetrail.org/

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed AB 2501, a key bill that will help cities like San Diego better prepare for catastrophic storms. AB 2501 allows public agencies to provide funding to state and regional water boards for the development of stormwater projects and technical assistance. https://lnkd.in/gPxb8WNk?

The State Bar of California has awarded?SMW?its 2024 DEI Leadership Seal to recognize the firm’s successful efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace and in the legal profession. SMW?is one of only 14 recipients of the Gold Seal in 2024. #DEILeadershipSeal https://lnkd.in/gFkKm-P9?

SMW once again has been named a Best Law Firm by Best Lawyers, a peer-reviewed guide to lawyers and law firms in the U.S. The firm was previously named to this list in 2024, 2022, and 2020. As in previous years, the firm was again ranked as a highly prestigious National Tier 1 Best Law Firm in Land Use and Zoning Law. New this year, the firm also received a National Tier 2 ranking in two categories, Environmental Law and Litigation – Environmental. SMW was also ranked as a San Francisco Metropolitan Tier 1 firm in Environmental Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation – Environmental, and Litigation – Land Use and Zoning. The Best Law Firms list, now in its 15th edition, designates the top-performing law firms in 188 metro jurisdictions across in the country, covering 127 law practice areas. Rankings are decided based on client feedback, peer reviews, reviews by industry leaders, and analysis of data from each law firm. More than 100,000 clients provided reviews for the 2025 rankings, and more than 23,000 firms were evaluated. SMW is one of only approximately 2,000 firms that received a national ranking. Eight SMW attorneys were also named to the Best Lawyers in America 2025 list earlier this year. https://lnkd.in/gSzh5PDJ

The California Senate has passed the Room to Roam Act (Assembly Bill 1889), which requires cities and counties to protect wildlife connectivity in their land-use plans. This bill aims to minimize harm to wildlife movement by guiding local officials to incorporate wildlife-friendly measures, such as specific fencing and lighting, into development plans.

SMW represents public agencies and environmental organizations to ensure compliance with CEQA and NEPA. We assist with the CEQA process, including environmental review scope, document preparation, comment responses, and approval. To learn more about our work in this area, visit