Alyson E. Ackerman

Partner

Alyson Ackerman is a seasoned environmental and natural resources attorney who advises both public and private clients on water rights, air quality compliance, and environmental permitting and enforcement. She counsels irrigation districts, developers, and manufacturers on a wide range of regulatory and operational issues, offering practical, strategic guidance tailored to each client’s needs.

With a strong background in surface water rights, Alyson helps clients secure and manage reliable water supplies across California. Her work includes drafting water rights opinions, navigating administrative and judicial proceedings, and advising on infrastructure permitting and easements. She has represented clients in high-stakes matters, including challenges to State Water Resources Control Board curtailment actions and contract conversions under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act.

Alyson serves as outside general to special districts and public water purveyors. In this role, she regularly attends board meetings and collaborates with general managers, engineers, and staff to address issues such as Brown Act and Public Records Act compliance, Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO) matters, and water conveyance infrastructure improvements.

Her regulatory experience extends to California’s complex air quality landscape. She advises clients on compliance with the various air quality standards, including EPA, CARB, and local air quality management district regulations and rules. When necessary, she represents these clients in administrative proceedings. Alynson strives to resolve issues efficiently and favorably through negotiated outcomes.

Professional, Community And Pro Bono Involvement

  • Sacramento County Bar Association, Environmental Law Section
  • California Lawyers Association, Environmental Law Section
  • Contributor for ACWA Summary of Appellate Cases, 2018-present
  • Speaker at ACWA and other industry and legal conferences

Honors & Rankings

  • Super Lawyers, Northern California Rising Star, Energy & Natural Resources, 2020-2024
  • Represented irrigation districts in successful challenge to State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB) authority to curtail pre-1914 water rights holders from diverting water from the Delta.
  • Counseled public water suppliers in converting water service contracts with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to permanent repayment contracts under the Water Infrastructure Improvement for the Nation Act.
  • Drafted water rights opinions involving various surface water supplies, including the Fresno River, tributaries to the Truckee River, Arroyo de la Laguna, San Joaquin River, and Cosumnes River for private landowners, resorts and golf courses, regional park districts, and prospective developers.
  • Represented municipal water department in stationary internal combustion engine emissions standards variance proceeding before South Coast Air Quality Management District Hearing Board.
  • Advise national motor coach manufacturers to resolve violations of California Air Resources Board regulations.
  • Counseled municipal water department to achieve compliance with South Coast Air Quality Management District’s public fleet requirements mandating alternative-fueled public fleet vehicles.
  • Represented out-of-state consumer products manufacturer in settlement of regulatory violations of California Air Resources Board consumer products regulations.
  • Counseled home developer on issues arising from possible purchase of land overlying contaminated groundwater plume for planned development.

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Outside of work, Alyson is most likely found either at her favorite locally-owned independent bookstore – Face in a Book – providing book recommendations or taking in nature in the stunning California foothills.

Professional, Community And Pro Bono Involvement

  • Sacramento County Bar Association, Environmental Law Section
  • California Lawyers Association, Environmental Law Section
  • Contributor for ACWA Summary of Appellate Cases, 2018-present
  • Speaker at ACWA and other industry and legal conferences

Honors & Rankings

  • Super Lawyers, Northern California Rising Star, Energy & Natural Resources, 2020-2024