Environmental Policy Attorney-BHE

Berkshire Hathaway Energy; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Berkshire Hathaway Energy in Des Moines, IA is seeking an Environmental Policy Attorney to serve as a key legal and policy advisor across complex regulatory environments in the U.S., Great Britain, and Canada. You will report to the Senior Vice President, Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer, guiding environmental compliance, legislation, regulatory developments, and sustainability initiatives.

The role emphasizes strategic thinking, engagement with regulators and stakeholders, and

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Licensed to practice law in any U.S. state
• Eight or more years of legal experience
• Significant experience in environmental, energy, or administrative law
• Strong knowledge of utility regulation and environmental compliance frameworks
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with regulators, policymakers, and stakeholders
• Excellent analytical, communication, and strategic thinking skills
• Preferred Experience: 5+ years of electric utility or energy sector legal issues

Responsibilities

• Regulatory & Compliance Counsel: Provide legal advice on environmental laws and regulations at federal, state, and local levels.
• Policy & Legislative Strategy: Monitor and shape environmental legislation and rulemaking; advocate for company positions.
• Agency & Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with regulators and external stakeholders to support favorable outcomes.
• Corporate Strategy & Risk Management: Advise leadership on environmental risks and policy developments affecting operations and decarbonization.
• Transactional & Project Support: Conduct environmental due diligence and advise on permitting for infrastructure projects.
• Litigation & Enforcement Support: Support environmental litigation and enforcement actions, coordinating with outside counsel.
• Internal Collaboration & Training: Guide units on regulatory obligations and best practices.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Legal research and writing

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Job description

Description

This is a multi-level opportunity and the successful candidate will be hired at the level that best aligns with their experience and expertise.

The Environmental Policy Attorney serves as a key legal and policy advisor supporting BHE’s operations across complex regulatory environments in the U.S., Great Britain, and Canada. Reporting directly to BHE’s Senior Vice President, Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer, this role provides strategic guidance on environmental compliance, legislative and regulatory developments, and corporate sustainability initiatives, while advancing the company’s business objectives in a dynamic energy landscape.

Responsibilities

• Regulatory & Compliance Counsel: Provide legal advice on federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, including air quality, water quality, waste, climate, and natural resource protection requirements.
• Policy & Legislative Strategy: Monitor, analyze, and shape environmental legislation and regulatory rulemaking at the state and federal levels. Advocate for company positions before regulatory agencies, legislative bodies, and industry groups.
• Agency & Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a primary liaison with government agencies, regulators, and external stakeholders. Build and maintain relationships that support constructive engagement and favorable regulatory outcomes.
• Corporate Strategy & Risk Management: Advise senior leadership across BHE on environmental risks, emerging regulatory trends, and policy developments impacting utility operations and long‑term strategy, including decarbonization and clean energy initiatives.
• Transactional & Project Support: Conduct environmental due diligence and advise on permitting, siting, and compliance issues for infrastructure projects, including generation, transmission, and distribution assets. Serve as general legal advisor on environmental policy matters to all BHE platforms across the U.S., Great Britain and Canada.
• Litigation & Enforcement Support: Support management of environmental litigation, administrative proceedings, and enforcement actions, coordinating with outside counsel as necessary.
• Internal Collaboration & Training: Partner with business units, compliance teams, and operational leaders to implement effective environmental policies and programs. Provide guidance and training on regulatory obligations and best practices.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school;
• Licensed to practice law in any U.S. state

• Eight or more years of legal experience is required

  Significant experience in environmental, energy, or administrative law

  Strong knowledge of utility regulation and environmental compliance frameworks

  Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with regulators, policymakers, and stakeholders

  Excellent analytical, communication, and strategic thinking skills

  Preferred Experience

  5+ years of experience with electric utility or energy sector legal issues

  Background in legislative or regulatory advocacy

  Familiarity with U.S. environmental and energy policy landscape

  Impact

  This role is central to advancing Berkshire Hathaway Energy’s commitment to reliable service, environmental stewardship, and responsible innovation. The Environmental Policy Attorney helps position the company to meet evolving regulatory requirements while contributing to a more sustainable energy future.

  Position descriptions are developed as guides for the employees of Berkshire Hathaway Energy. The management team of Berkshire Hathaway Energy reserves the right to modify job responsibilities and position requirements to meet the corporate business goals and needs.