Ronda L. Sandquist

Ronda advises owners and developers of major projects on environmental and natural resource permitting, regulatory compliance and legislative issues—the scope, of which often trigger federal environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Leading technical and legal teams, she applies her thorough knowledge of environmental frameworks and alternative compliance strategies to seamlessly get projects through the approval process. Previously, Ronda was special assistant attorney general, representing the state of Montana on the siting of major energy projects and litigation challenging alleged federal preemption of Montana’s siting and environmental laws. 

No stranger to guiding clients through regulatory hurdles as they extract, develop and market resources, clients across diverse industries—public utilities, oil and gas, mining real estate development and cannabis to name a few—seek out her counsel. Ronda develops innovative approaches to environment compliance. From rain water harvesting to water quality trading, she finds solutions to complex problems. Her work defending clients on high-stakes interdisciplinary environmental issues and claims has helped companies avoid potential million dollar penalties. 

Ronda’s list of achievements also includes serving as special administrative law judge adjudicating water rights and providing counsel on the Yellowstone River Compact.