Ballard Spahr Secures PRC Approval for Douglas County PUD’s $7.2M Hydrogen Fueling Project.
Ballard Spahr is playing a pivotal role in bringing one of Washington state’s most forward-thinking clean energy projects to life.
Working alongside Douglas County Public Utility District, the firm helped secure unanimous approval for a $7.2 million expansion of the utility’s green hydrogen operations.
The approval opens the door for new infrastructure that will provide hydrogen fuel for heavy-duty vehicles, support a public fueling station, and enhance the local energy supply. It is a forward-looking project with the potential to influence how communities think about energy use and sustainability.
Ellie Perka, a partner in Ballard Spahr’s Seattle office, led the legal work that helped the project gain approval from the state’s Project Review Committee. Known for her deep knowledge of Washington’s alternative contracting rules, Ellie brought decades of experience to the table.
Ms Perka worked closely with J-U-B Engineers to guide the proposal through the approval process, which resulted in full committee support an outcome that speaks volumes about the clarity and strength of the plan.
The Douglas County PUD already operates a five-megawatt green hydrogen production facility, one of the few of its kind in the country.
With the new expansion, they’ll add hydrogen fueling infrastructure and a fuel cell generator, which will not only serve local energy needs but also help fuel the future of clean transportation. If construction stays on schedule, the new systems will be fully operational by mid 2026.
Ms Perka's recent move to Ballard Spahr, part of the firm’s combination with Lane Powell earlier this year, has already opened the door to even more opportunities like this one. Ellie partnered with J-U-B Engineers on the project and was one of over 150 attorneys who joined Ballard Spahr through its January 1, 2025 combination with Lane Powell.
Ballard Spahr LLP is a national law firm with over 750 attorneys in 18 offices across the U.S. The firm provides legal counsel in litigation, business, real estate, finance, and intellectual property. Known for its collaborative culture and commitment to excellence, Ballard Spahr expanded into the Pacific Northwest in 2025 through a combination with Lane Powell. The firm is widely recognized for its work in public infrastructure, energy, and its leadership in diversity and inclusion.
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