Amelia Yowell

Center for Biological Diversity v. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Serv., 33 F.4th 1202 (9th Cir. 2022)
Submitted brief and presented argument as lead government counsel in this case presenting issues of first impression under the Mining Law. The resulting decision changed the way federal agencies evaluate and approve proposed waste rock and tailings facilities.

Western Watersheds Project v. McCullough, 2023 WL 4557742 (9th Cir. July 17, 2023)
Submitted brief and presented argument as lead government counsel in case challenging the Bureau of Land Management’s approval of a large lithium mine under the Administrative Procedure Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Mining Law, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act. Successfully defended against a motion for preliminary injunction pending appeal and obtained favorable decision on all issues on appeal.

Earthworks v. Department of the Interior, 105 F.4th 449 (D.C. Cir. 2024)
Submitted brief as lead government counsel in case challenging a Department of the Interior rulemaking regarding the location of mill sites under the Mining Law. Obtained favorable decision on appeal upholding the mill site rule under the Administrative Procedure Act, the Mining Law, and the National Environmental Policy Act. In the decision, the Court reached an issue of first impression, holding that the agency’s rule was consistent with the plain language of the Mining Law.

Native Village of Nuiqsut v. Bureau of Land Management, 9 F.4th 1201 (9th Cir. 2021)
Submitted brief and presented argument as lead government counsel in case challenging the Bureau of Land Management’s approval of winter drilling exploration activities in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. Plaintiffs challenged the agency approval under the Administrative Procedure Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.  Obtained favorable decision dismissing appeal as moot based on later agency actions and factual developments. 

Sierra Club v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 997 F.3d 395 (1st Cir. 2021)
Submitted opposition to motion for injunction pending appeal as government counsel in case challenging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approval of an electric transmission power corridor under the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act, and the River and Harbors Act. Also reviewed government brief in merits appeal. The Court issued a favorable decision.

Environmental Protection Information Center v. Van Atta, 2025 WL 470894 (9th Cir. 2025)
Submitted brief and presented argument as lead government counsel in case challenging the National Marine Fisheries Service’s issuance of safe harbor agreements and enhancement of survival permits under the Endangered Species Act to landowners in the Shasta River valley. Obtained favorable decision dismissing environmental organization’s appeal for lack of appellate jurisdiction.  

Center for Biological Diversity v. Bureau of Land Management, 69 F.4th 588 (9th Cir. 2023)
Submitted brief and presented argument as lead government counsel in support of affirming the district court’s denial of a motion to intervene in a lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management challenging the grant of two rights-of-way.  Obtained favorable decision dismissing proposed intervenors’ appeal as moot.

Yankton Sioux Tribe v. Bernhardt, D.C. Cir. No. 19-5099
Submitted brief and presented argument as lead government counsel in support of affirming the district court’s denial of a motion to intervene. After argument, the Court dismissed the case as moot based on later developments.