Connected, Knowledgeable
Through decades of experience in complex hydropower licensing, our attorneys have established close relationships with officials at the federal and state agencies responsible for regulating ocean, tidal and in-stream energy production. Indeed, many of our professionals have worked at these agencies, including the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Department of State, Department of Justice (Environmental & Natural Resources Section), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Northwest Power Planning Council.
We've also been at the forefront of legislative and regulatory streamlining efforts for the industry. Our attorneys are leaders in the top ocean and tidal industry organizations, including the Ocean Renewable Energy Coalition and the National Hydropower Association's Ocean, Tidal and New Technologies Committee. Several of our attorneys are currently working on legislation aimed at facilitating new hydro technologies and with a coalition of industry and environmental groups working to focus the new administration on ocean and tidal initiatives. We also regularly publish articles and white papers on issues surrounding siting and permitting.
A "Go-To" Renewable Energy Firm
In addition to ocean, tidal and in-stream hydrokinetics, Stoel Rives is a national leader in renewable energy issues, including wind, solar, geothermal, and bioenergy. We have published a series of acclaimed textbooks on renewable energy topics, including "The Law of Marine and Hydrokinetic Energy." From our active presence as speakers at industry conferences, to our purchase of green tags to offset the emissions from our offices, Stoel Rives has demonstrated a deep corporate and professional commitment to renewable energy.
As a consequence, we can offer a virtually unlimited array of legal services to developers, investors, utilities and project owners in the new hydrokinetics sector. We can assemble the right team of lawyers for each project, whether it be permitting a tidal energy site or drafting and negotiating a power purchase agreement. We know the intricacies of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission hydropower licensing requirements, and we can guide you through the myriad state and regulatory compliance requirements, including marine mammal, endangered species and coastal zone issues. We have successfully resolved numerous precedent-setting government and third party environmental suit actions – and currently manage a series of ground-breaking energy resource and climate change cases, including the polar bear listing and related Endangered Species Act section 4(d) challenges across the country. Our experience with the Minerals Management Service in the oil and gas sector also provides us with a unique insight into the process and challenge of working on leasing issues on the Outer Continental Shelf. Bottom line – we have the know-how and resources to help you achieve your business objectives no matter what the circumstances.
To learn more about how our ocean, tidal and in-stream energy practice can assist you and your business, please contact us directly.