Kimberly R. Nason

Partner Buffalo

Kim is a seasoned environmental attorney who focuses her practice on land use and zoning, environmental law and energy matters.

Kim appears before municipalities across New York State on behalf of business owners and developers regarding applications for zoning permits and approvals, including special use permits, site plan approvals, variance requests, subdivisions and rezonings. Her land use and development practice includes extensive knowledge regarding compliance with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).

Member of Phillips Lytle’s Energy and Renewables Team, Kim’s expertise includes matters relating to the development and permitting of solar energy facilities. Additionally, Kim has experience in the area of telecommunications relating to the development, modification, and operation of cell towers and other communications facilities. Kim also has experience appearing before New York State Department of State Regional Boards of Review on applications for variances from the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code.

In addition, Kim counsels clients on compliance with state and federal environmental laws and regulations, and has been involved with environmental due diligence and transactional support. She handles complex Clean Air Act compliance and permitting matters with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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Honors & Awards

  • Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, 2021-2023
  • City & State New York, Power of Diversity: Women 100 List, 2022
  • Named Upstate New York Super Lawyers® Rising Star, 2015-2022
  • Named to Women Making a Difference in the Wireless Infrastructure Industry, Wireless Infrastructure Association, 2021
  • Listed as a Leading Individual in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, 2017-2020
  • New York City Environmental Law Leadership Institute, 2012
Awards & Certifications
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Education & Admissions

Education
  • New York University School of Law, J.D., 2011
  • The George Washington University, B.A., magna cum laude, 2008
Admitted to Practice
  • New York
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Speaking Engagements

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  • Participant, Buffalo Business First‘s Mentoring Monday, February 2024
  • Moderator, “How are Generational Projects Shaping the Real Estate Landscape of Tomorrow?” Buffalo Business First State of the Region, October 2023
  • Moderator, “Western New York Real Estate Development: Moving the Vision Forward,” Buffalo Business First State of the Region Seminar, October 2022
  • Panelist, “Is Buffalo on the Upswing — and What Can Businesses Leaders Do to Make That So?” Buffalo Business First’s Women at the Table Luncheon, July 2022
  • Speaker, New York’s Climate Act and Its Impact on Building Design, American Institute of Architects (AIA) Buffalo/WNY, April 2022
  • Moderator, “Maximizing Solar Development in 2022,” Buffalo Business First State of the Region Webinar, March 2022
  • Panelist, “No Stopping Us – Even as The Pandemic Continues,” Buffalo Business First State of the Region Webinar, October 2021
  • Panelist, “The Real Estate Market in 2020 and Beyond: In the Midst of COVID-19,” State of the Region,” Buffalo Business First State of the Region Breakfast, September 2020
  • Panelist, “The Winds of Change in Real Estate Development: What You Need to Know for the Next Decade,” Buffalo Business First State of the Region Breakfast, September 2019
  • Presenter, “Addressing Climate Change Issues in the SEQRA Context,” State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) Seminar, Phillips Lytle LLP, October 2017
  • Speaker, “Shining a Light on Solar Project Development in New York State,” “Environmental Law: the Light, the Dark, and the Grey,” Erie Institute of Law Event, May 2015
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Activities & Professional Associations

Present Activities

  • Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, Board of Directors
  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, Board of Directors

Past Activities

  • Hamburg Natural History Society, Inc., Board of Directors

Professional Associations

  • American Bar Association
    • Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources (SEER)
  • New York Solar Energy Industries Association
  • New York State Bar Association
    • Business Law Section
      • Executive Committee, Energy and Climate Law Representative
    • Environmental & Energy Law Section
      • Energy And Climate Law Committee
    • Local & State Government Law Section
  • Urban Land Institute
  • Women in Communications and Energy
  • Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, WNY Chapter
  • Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum

Articles & Publications

Articles

  • Co-Author, “Keeping an Eye on Embodied Carbon Considerations,” Buffalo Business First, April 2023
  • Co-Author, “New Multi-Sector General Stormwater Permit Now in Effect – Facilities Need to Act to Remain Covered,” Buffalo Business First, March 2023
  • Co-Author, “Climate Action Council Begins Public Hearings on Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act Draft Scoping Plan,” Buffalo Business First, April 2022
  • Co-Author, “NY Solar Project Order Creates Uncertainty For Developers,” Law360, June 2021
  • Co-Author, “A Preview of Potential Significant Impacts to Buildings from State Climate Goals,” Buffalo Business First, April 2021
  • Author, “Developing a Path for Community Solar in New York State,” Environmental Law in New York, August 2016
  • Author, “Checking in on the City’s Green Code,” Buffalo Law Journal, June 2016
  • Co-Author, “Solar Energy Shines for NY Higher Education,” Buffalo Law Journal, October 2015

Publications

  • Co-Author, “Alternative Energy & Power 2023 – USA,” Chambers Global Practice Guide, July 2023
  • Co-Author, “US Regional Real Estate – New York,” Chambers Global Practice Guide, May 2023
  • Co-Author, “Alternative Energy & Power 2022 – USA,” Chambers Global Practice Guide, August 2022
  • Co-Author, “US Regional Real Estate – New York,” Chambers Global Practice Guide, June 2022
  • Co-Author, “US Regional Real Estate – New York,” Chambers Global Practice Guide, May 2021
  • Co-Author “USA Regional Real Estate – New York,” Chambers Global Practice Guide, May 2020