Renewable Energy
ES&H supports the growth of renewable energy through its representation of renewable energy providers and their trade associations, such as the Bright Source Energy, the Large-scale Solar Association, the American Wind Energy Association, Americans for Solar Power and the Independent Energy Producers Association and their various members (including Calpine Corporation, one of the largest renewable energy provider in California).
ES&H attorneys have and continue to work through the unprecedented challenges posed by siting renewable energy facilities in remote areas and implementation of California's aggressive renewable energy goals. From a state perspective, many solar facilities will require either a "Certification" from the California Energy Commission or a Conditional Use Permit from a local lead agency. From a federal perspective, facilities located on federal land will seek a BLM Right of Way ("ROW") grant. Our representation has focused on coordinating the CEC Certified Regulatory Program review under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") with BLM responsibilities and review under the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA").
In addition to renewable facility siting, ES&H attorneys have substantial experience in a variety of other matters supporting renewable production. ES&H attorneys have worked with California Independent System Operator ("CAISO") and other transmission authorities on interconnection of remotely located renewable power plants. ES&H attorneys have decades of experience negotiating, drafting and securing regulatory approval of various wholesale power transactional documents such as long term power purchase agreements for renewable energy pursuant to California's RPS program, on behalf of power producers as well as load serving entities. The firm has also been engaged in a multitude of other regulatory and compliance related matters for renewable development before the California Public Utilities Commission, California Air Resources Board, and other public entities.
