Nick Lawton

Supervising Senior Attorney

Clean Energy Program

Nick Lawton, Senior Attorney

Bar Admissions

DC, OR (inactive)

Nick Lawton

Supervising Senior Attorney Clean Energy Program

Kathryn McGrath
Public Affairs and Communications Strategist
kmcgrath@earthjustice.org

Nick Lawton is a supervising senior attorney with Earthjustice’s Clean Energy Program.

Expert Posts & Articles

October 31, 2024

FERC Finalized New “Backstop” Rule for Federal Permitting of Transmission Lines

The new rule is an important — but imperfect — step toward equitable federal permitting of high-priority transmission lines.
A large, tan power plant with tall smoke stacks next to water.
September 27, 2024

Grid Operator PJM Makes Customers Pay Twice for Fossil Fuel Power

We are challenging flaws in PJM’s capacity market auction that favor fossil fuels and could mean skyrocketing rates for Mid-Atlantic customers.
Transmission lines and utility poles are silhouetted at sunset against a darkening sky.
May 1, 2024

DOE Finalized New Rule for Federal Permitting of Transmission Lines

The new rule will cut permitting time in half for major transmission projects while maintaining strong environmental standards.

Kathryn McGrath
Public Affairs and Communications Strategist
kmcgrath@earthjustice.org

Bar Admissions

DC, OR (inactive)

Quoted in the News

May 12, 2025

Inside Climate News

Northeastern States Unveil New Grid Planning Strategy in Attempt to Regain Control Over Energy Future

“Thousands of clean energy projects are waiting to connect to the grid, including offshore wind projects that many of these states are pursuing, which can bring down prices and boost system reliability during extreme weather. We support this state coordination.”

Latest Press Statements

An aerial photo of large buildings with power lines in the foreground
January 16, 2026

Statement on Proposal for a PJM Power Auction for Data Centers

Earthjustice responds to a call by the National Energy Dominance Council and PJM governors
A large, tan power plant with tall smoke stacks next to water.
September 27, 2024

Advocates File Complaint Against PJM for Flaws that Inflated Auction Results, Costing Customers Billions

Mid-Atlantic grid operator PJM's capacity market auctions make customers pay twice for fossil fuel power