Overview

Cara MacDonald guides clients through complex environmental regulation, permitting, and litigation, with a focus on renewable energy development. Her practice spans matters arising under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, CERCLA, CEQA, and NEPA, including preparing permit applications, responding to agency actions, and guiding clients through CEQA and NEPA review processes. Her experience includes renewable energy development projects involving onshore wind, offshore wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, where she advises on Clean Air Act permitting and Endangered Species Act and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act compliance.

Before joining Meyers Nave, Cara practiced at an AmLaw 100 firm in San Francisco, where she supported complex environmental litigation in federal and state courts, including matters arising under the Clean Air Act and CERCLA. She has assisted with all aspects of the litigation process, ranging from depositions and discovery to a trial in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California that resulted in a favorable outcome for the client.

Cara’s regulatory experience includes advising industrial clients on stormwater and California hazardous waste compliance.

Cara also has experience coordinating real estate transactions, including title due diligence, analysis of zoning and local laws affecting real estate investments, environmental due diligence, and drafting purchase agreements, leases, and closing documents.