Aaron C. Courtney

Aaron C. Courtney is a Partner at Stoel Rives LLP in Portland, Oregon, who represents energy, municipal, industrial, agricultural, and developer clients on environmental compliance, permitting, and litigation. His practice covers major federal environmental and natural resource laws, including the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and federal and state cleanup laws. He also works on renewable energy and infrastructure permitting.

Courtney earned a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, an M.S. in Environmental Sciences from the University of Virginia College of Arts & Sciences, and a B.A. in Environmental Sciences, Ecology and Biology from the University of Virginia. His education directly supports a practice centered on environmental science, natural resources, permitting, and regulatory compliance. He also serves as adjunct faculty at Lewis & Clark Law School, where he teaches environmental due diligence.

Courtney advises clients on Clean Water Act permitting, wastewater and stormwater matters, wetland and waterway impacts, endangered species compliance, environmental review, and public land authorizations. His work includes energy transmission and pipeline projects, wind and solar development, industrial facilities, agricultural operations, mitigation banks, and public wastewater systems. He also conducts environmental due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, helping clients evaluate environmental risks and regulatory obligations connected to major transactions and project development.

Aaron C. Courtney is admitted in Oregon, the US District Court for the District of Oregon, and the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. His practice combines regulatory counseling, permitting strategy, litigation, project development, and environmental due diligence. By working across energy, industry, agriculture, public utilities, and natural resources, he helps clients navigate complex federal and state requirements while advancing infrastructure, development, and business objectives in heavily regulated settings.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Stoel Rives LLP
• Member, Oregon State Bar
• Former Vice Chair, Marine Resources Subcommittee, American Bar Association
• Former Faculty and Adjunct Faculty, Lewis & Clark Law School
• Member, Multnomah Bar Association
• Board Member, Oregon Ballet Theatre
• Board Member, Illahee – Environmental Forum
• Federal Advisory Council, Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area
• Former Board Member, Planned Parenthood of the Columbia Willamette
• Former Board Chair, Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center
• Environment Committee, Oregon Business Association
• Former Coach, Portland Youth Soccer

Licensed State

• Oregon

Education

• University of Virginia School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Virginia College of Arts & Sciences
  Master of Science (MS) in Environmental Sciences
• University of Virginia
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Environmental Sciences/Ecology and Biology

Awards & Badges