From energy siting and permitting to environmental enforcement and litigation, Lila helps clients navigate the regulatory challenges that shape complex projects.

Lila M. Appaya advises energy, natural resources, and industrial clients on environmental and regulatory matters related to project development, compliance, permitting, and litigation. She helps clients navigate local, state, and federal requirements across the Midwest and Appalachia, including Ohio and Kentucky, supporting projects and business operations through development and regulatory review.

A key part of Lila's practice involves energy siting and permitting, particularly for solar generation and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. She assists developers with project approvals, environmental compliance, and regulatory strategy. She represents clients in contested permitting proceedings and related state and federal litigation. Lila also has experience in oil and gas matters, including unitization, applications, hearings, and permitting-related disputes. She regularly works with developers, producers, and pipeline companies on a range of energy and infrastructure projects as well as resulting litigation.

Lila also represents clients in environmental enforcement, remediation, and litigation matters involving state and federal regulators, including the Ohio EPA and U.S. EPA. Her work spans matters where she has defended businesses facing enforcement actions, assisted with complex contaminated-site matters, including CERCLA litigation, and supported clients through regulatory investigations and disputes. In addition, she provides environmental and energy due diligence for lenders and developers, identifying regulatory risks and compliance considerations that can affect project financing, acquisitions, and development opportunities.

Education

The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, JD, 2023

The Ohio State University, BS Psychology & Criminology, magna cum laude, 2019

Distinctions

Recipient, OSU Morrill Excellence Scholarship

Recipient, Diversity Enrichment Scholarship

Professional Activities

Committee Member, Institute of Energy Law, Young Energy Professionals (YEP)

Board Member, Ohio Energy Project – Young Professionals 

Planner, Moritz’s Annual 5k, Student Bar Association – Community Service Committee (2023)

Past Editor, Ohio State Journal on Dispute Resolution

Past Board Fellow, Ohio Energy Project

Publications

• Panelist, “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Year: A Law Student and Young Attorney Breakout Session,” OSBA 41st Annual Ohio Environment, Energy and Resources Law Institute, Ohio State Bar Association (March 2026)
• Speaker, “Common Legal Issues Facing Energy Companies,” 2025 Fall Symposium, Energy & Mineral Law Foundation (October 2025)
• Co-Speaker, “Civil Session: Hot Topics in Environmental Law for Municipalities,” 2024 Ohio Municipal Attorneys Association December Law Seminar (December 2024)
• Co-Speaker, “Green Lights and Red Tape: Permitting Renewable Projects in Appalachia,” 2024 Annual Institute, Energy & Mineral Law Foundation (June 2024)

Something of a foodie, Lila enjoys cooking novel recipes and adventuring to new restaurants. She follows these food experiences with hot yoga and weight-lifting to stay in shape. Lila also enjoys spending time outdoors, gardening in the summer and skiing in the winter.