Linda Barrera has over 15 years of experience working in California state government on clean energy, climate, and transportation solutions. At AJW, she provides strategic advice to clients on compliance with and how to benefit from clean energy and transportation decarbonization policies. She supports innovators to leverage government grants and incentives to advance clean technology deployment and benefit priority communities. Through her regulatory and legislative expertise, Linda also assists clients advance industrial decarbonization efforts and bolster carbon market design.
Prior to joining AJW, Linda served in senior leadership roles at the California Energy Commission, including as chief counsel, as an advisor for a former Vice Chair, and as assistant chief counsel. Linda also worked as an attorney with the California Public Utilities Commission on ratesetting and cost of capital proceedings involving investor-owned electric and water utilities. In these roles, Linda developed in-depth expertise in California’s regulatory and legislation processes, including working on rulemakings to advance energy efficiency through building and appliance efficiency standards and many other clean energy programs. She led legislation drafting to advance climate and energy goals, including an opt-in process to streamline the permitting of solar, wind, and energy storage facilities. She provided legal support for the environmental review and permitting of power plants in the state. Linda also helped implement multimillion-dollar grant and incentive programs.
Linda is originally from Panama and earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, and a Juris Doctor and certificate in environmental and natural resources law from Lewis & Clark Law School.