Environmental

Recent Posts

Wind Power Companies Further Commit to Protection of Bats
Posted on 20 Oct 2015 by E. Lynn Grayson

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) announced that seventeen of its members have agreed to voluntary operating restrictions to reduce wind turbine speeds in the fall to minimize the number of bats killed during their migration season. According... Read More

Deal Is A Deal: Ecogen Wind Prevails In Windfarming Dispute
Posted on 10 Feb 2014 by William A. Ruskin

By William A. Ruskin The New York Law Journal reported on January 2, 2014 that the Town of Prattsburgh, which, during the relevant time, had virtually no laws, codes or requirements on the books governing the installation of wind turbine facilities... Read More

Wind Controversy Research Report
Posted on 10 Apr 2012 by Dianne Saxe

By Dianne Saxe, Ontario Environmental Lawyer Here is a link to Renew Canada's 2011 research report, Wind Controversy in Ontario . The report was intended to be a neutral evaluation of the evidence cited by pro and anti-wind groups. According... Read More

Renewable Energy Law Developments – American Bar Association Section of Public Utility, Communications and Transportation Law – Renewable Energy Committee
Posted on 19 Jan 2010 by ABA Public Utility Communications Transportation

This report from the Renewable Energy Committee of the American Bar Association Section of Public Utility, Communications and Transportation Law looks at recent renewable energy law developments. The report begins by noting that “The past few years... Read More

Cadwalader Clients & Friends Memo: Investment in Alternative Energy After the End of Cash Grants
Posted on 30 Sep 2011 by Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP

The cash grant program for renewable energy expires at the end of this year. When cash grants end, renewable energy projects will once again rely on "tax equity investors" to offer lower-cost financing in exchange for the tax credits and accelerated... Read More

Troutman Sanders LLP: Atlantic Wind Connection Project Adds Belgian Grid Firm Elia to Team
Posted on 12 Aug 2011 by Troutman Sanders

On July 22, 2011, the Atlantic Wind Connection ("AWC"), offshore transmission line project off the Mid-Atlantic coast that would bring thousands of megawatts of offshore wind capacity ashore ( see the October 12, 2010 edition of the WER ), announced... Read More

Worried About Wind?
Posted on 6 Jul 2011 by Dianne Saxe

By Dianne Saxe, Ontario Environmental Lawyer So much misinformation has been spread about wind turbines that many reasonable people don't know what to think. As one reader wrote: "Hi Dianne, ... I wondered if you could direct me to reliable... Read More

DLA Piper: EPC Contracts for South African Wind Farms
Posted on 31 Oct 2012 by DLA Piper

Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts are the most common form of contract used to undertake construction works by the private sector on large scale and complex infrastructure projects. Under an EPC contract, a contractor is obliged... Read More

Jenner & Block: More Wind Power Into PJM Region Could Save $7B Annually
Posted on 22 May 2013 by E. Lynn Grayson

A new report completed by Synapse Energy Economics on behalf of Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG) concludes adding more wind power to the PJM region can lower gas and coal consumption and reduce regional wholesale energy market prices saving nearly... Read More

Renewable Energy Insight: Atlantic Wind Connection Wind Farm Project Joins With Belgian Electric Grid Firm Elia For Wind Energy
Posted on 16 Aug 2011 by Troutman Sanders

On July 22, 2011, the Atlantic Wind Connection ("AWC"), offshore transmission line project off the Mid-Atlantic coast that would bring thousands of megawatts of offshore wind capacity ashore ( see the October 12, 2010 edition of the WER ), announced... Read More

New MOU to Provide for Streamlined Review Of Wind Energy Projects In Great Lakes
Posted on 11 Apr 2012 by Steven M. Siros

By Steven M. Siros, Partner, Jenner & Block On March 30, 2012, the White House announced that it had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with five states (Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Pennsylvania) that is... Read More

Wind Projects: Bald Eagles Don't Surf
Posted on 13 Feb 2013 by J. Wylie Donald

By J. Wylie Donald, Partner, McCarter & English One would think that preliminary estimates of bird fatalities at a proposed 78 MW wind farm in southeastern Minnesota were hardly news. After all, there are over 60,000 MW of wind energy installed... Read More

State Net Capitol Journal Legislative Updates: Maryland Lawmakers Move Forward With Governor’s Offshore Wind Farm Regulatory Authority
Posted on 18 Mar 2013 by State Net

MD LAWMAKERS ENDORSE O'MALLEY JOBS, WIND BILLS: Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) scored a pair of victories last week as lawmakers in Annapolis endorsed two bills he sponsored: SB 278, the Employment Advancement Right Now act, or EARN, a plan... Read More

Foley & Lardner LLP: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Issues Voluntary Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines
Posted on 22 Apr 2012 by Foley & Lardner LLP

By Tanya C. O'Neill and Sarah A. Slack , Attorneys, Foley & Lardner LLP The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) issued final Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines on March 23, 2012 (Guidelines). The Guidelines, which became effective immediately... Read More