Chris Johnson’s practice centers on environmental compliance, regulation, and litigation, with emphasis on hazardous and toxic substances, air quality regulation, and groundwater contamination. He has particular experience with Superfund and hazardous waste laws and regulations, especially the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). He has represented clients before the United States Environmental Protection Agency and California agencies such as its Water Boards, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District, as well as other related federal, state, and local permitting and regulatory entities. Christopher has also overseen and assisted clients with environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
- Successfully negotiating a walk-away consent decree from EPA for a former defense contractor for claims for groundwater contamination from perchlorate
- Resolving administrative enforcement action against a battery recycler, resulting in a cooperative relationship between the client and DTSC that resulted in safer and more cost-effective enforcement
- Resolving nuisance claims against a restaurant that utilized expert-developed new protocols approved by the Air Quality Management District
- Defending a major developer from CEQA and Coastal Act claims, allowing for the successful redevelopment of coastal Long Beach
- Developing a cost-effective Supplemental Environmental Project for a foundry and metal ingot producer, resolving long-standing compliance action for air quality issues
- Author, EPA and developing PFAS science: impacts on litigation, Reuters and Westlaw Today (January 2024)
Admissions
- California
- District of Columbia (inactive)
Education
- J.D., cum laude, Pepperdine Law School, 2000
- President of Environmental Law Society
- Law Review
- M.A., Mathematics, University of Southern California, 2000
- Student Senate
- President of Mathematics Graduate Student Association
- B.S., Mathematics and B.A., Russian, University of Kansas, 1994
Honors
- Super Lawyers® Rising Star, 2007-2010