Overview

Matthew (Matt) W. Christen advises and defends clients on land use and environmental matters across California, with experience developing critical infrastructure along the California coast. Matt brings more than a decade of experience inside government at the California Coastal Commission and Air Resources Board where he advised senior staff on compliance, permitting, and litigation involving complex coastal, air quality, and CEQA issues.

This unique technical background helps clients develop bold projects and regulatory frameworks that move California forward, like offshore wind farms along Northern California’s coastline; statewide climate and air quality regulations; and CEQA litigation for transit programs that advance California’s transition to zero-emissions.

Matt also served as lead land use attorney for the San Luis Obispo County Counsel’s Office, defending County decisions on critical energy projects in court and advising key decision makers on land use policy, coastal development, and environmental compliance.

Matt understands how agencies evaluate coastal development, renewable energy proposals, and regulatory challenges. At Meyers Nave, clients of all types rely on that perspective to navigate California’s complex regulatory processes, particularly when intersecting sensitive coastal resources and evolving energy policy.