Insights on Energy & Cleantech

ArentFox Schiff is pleased to announce that 70 attorneys were recognized as leaders in their field and 24 practices spanning the firm’s litigation, regulatory, and transactional capabilities were ranked in the 2023 edition of Chambers USA.

Many major companies have announced a blueprint to minimize their carbon footprint. Some companies have gone so far as to proclaim that they will achieve “net zero” emissions in the near future. To accomplish their climate goals, many have turned to purchasing products called “carbon offset credits.

Mike Showalter and Alex Garel-Frantzen will speak at the ISBA Environmental Law Section’s 21st Annual Environmental Law Conference on May 11 and 12, 2023.

The Ninth Circuit recently weighed in on whether localities’ natural-gas infrastructure bans are preempted by federal laws including the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA).

Mike Showalter will speak on Environmental Justice (EJ) at The Regulatory Environmental Group for Missouri (REGFORM) on April 20, 2023.

ArentFox Schiff attorneys Frank Lyons and Sarah Lode will share their perspectives and advice on how companies and facilities can prepare for and handle environmental compliance inspections.

Ryan Granholm and Alex Garel-Frantzen will present at The Next Generation of Environmental Law Seminar on March 16, 2023.

Sarah Fitts and Mike Showalter will present at the International Bar Association’s inaugural ESG Conference from February 28 to March 1, 2023.

ArentFox Schiff represented the Black Owners of Solar Services (BOSS) in connection with its $6.3 million cooperative agreement awarded by the US Department of Energy (DOE).

ArentFox Schiff is pleased to announce that five practice areas and 11 attorneys were recognized by Chambers Global 2023.

On Friday, January 27, 2023, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a new law, Public Act 102-1123, which refines county governments’ ability to regulate new commercial wind and solar energy facilities. Specifically, PA 102-1123 prohibits counties from banning or establishing moratoriums on wind.

As Illinois’ implementation of the Energy Transition Act, PA 102-0662 — commonly referred to as the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) — continues, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is developing a Renewable Energy Access Plan to help achieve the law’s renewable electricity goals.

Partner Sarah A. W. Fitts was quoted on the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.

On New Year’s Eve, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed New York’s “Cumulative Impacts” bill into law, making New York the second state in the nation to require assessment of “cumulative impacts” affecting certain communities before an environmental permit is issued or renewed.

Partner Sarah A. W. Fitts was quoted on dealmaking in the energy sector and how making smaller purchases can make sense for buyers who are waiting for guidance on how the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy perks will be implemented.

On December 15, the White House added a new Guidebook to the Inflation Reduction Act to its clean energy webpage.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on December 14, 2022, that it is seeking public comment on potential updates and changes to its “Green Guides,” kicking off a process that may lead to the first significant changes to the Guides since 2012.

What will happen in the environmental and energy space in 2023? The last year saw transformative changes in the environmental and energy space in the form of historic spending through the federal Inflation Reduction Act, a major court decision involving hot-button topics.

Partner Andy Sawula and Associate Sam Rasche discuss how to respond to EPA Information Requests.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was passed to help citizens stay informed about government activities.

ArentFox Schiff represented NEXT Renewable Fuels in a strategic investment by United Airlines Ventures (UAV).

A new federal program that will provide up to $8 billion to the clean hydrogen industry reached its first milestone last week, with at least a dozen groups applying to be selected as “regional clean hydrogen hubs.”

Americans woke up on Wednesday, November 9, immediately realizing something was different. On their televisions and other devices, they only saw commercials for products, vacation spots, and reality shows.

Partner Mike Showalter will present “Understanding Environmental Justice: Guidance for Regulated Facilities” hosted by REGFORM on December 6, 2022.

ArentFox Schiff has been recognized with 53 top rankings in the 2023 edition of US News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms.”