Emma Clancy

Staff Attorney

Emma’s focus is South Carolina energy law, and practicing before the South Carolina Public Service Commission, a state administrative body that regulates the electric and gas utilities. The Southern Environmental Law Center is involved in a number of cases to protect ratepayers and encourage investment in cost-effective, clean energy solutions. Emma conducts legal research, works with experts, participates in hearings, prepares proposed orders, and drafts legal briefs.

In 2021, SELC persuaded the commission to approve net metering tariffs that will ensure continued growth of rooftop solar in South Carolina. In the wake of the state’s 2019 enactment of key energy legislation, which SELC helped draft, Emma and her colleagues have also worked to bolster the state’s energy resource planning process. “In these dockets and others, I have enjoyed working with experts and partner organizations to make a clear and persuasive case for cost-effective and creative clean energy solutions,” Emma said.

“I’m motivated at SELC by the chance to work with some of the smartest and most driven and passionate people, who are also incredibly kind and great mentors,” Emma said. “I also love being a part of an organization fighting to protect the environment in the South through creative, intelligent solutions that produce concrete results for the people in our region.”

Previous experience

• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, magistrate clerk 
• University of Virginia School of Law; executive editor, Virginia Environmental Law Journal
• Colby College, summa cum laude
• With SELC since 2021