Environmental Issues in Solar Energy Projects
Pre-Project Environmental Due Diligence, Environmental Impact Review, Federal Permitting Requirements
Recording of a 90-minute CLE video webinar with Q&A
This CLE course will provide an overview of the environmental laws and regulations governing the development of solar power projects, from small rooftop installations sited on existing buildings to utility-scale solar farms. The panel will discuss pre-project environmental due diligence, compliance with federal and state environmental impact review requirements, and compliance with federal permitting and review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), among others.
Outline
- Environmental issues and solar power
- Small-scale residential and commercial installations
- Pre-application project planning and environmental due diligence
- Environmental impact issues under federal and state law
- Utility-scale solar power project siting
- Pre-application project planning and environmental due diligence
- Environmental impact review under federal and state law
Benefits
The panel will review these and other key issues:
- What are the environmental laws and regulations governing the development of solar power projects?
- What are best practices for pre-project environmental due diligence?
- How does one comply with federal and state environmental impact review requirements?
- What are the best practices for project siting?
- Under local and state siting laws, what are standard environmental and other permitting requirements?
- How do NEPA, FLPMA, CWA, ESA, NHPA, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act interact and intersect?
Faculty
William F. McLaughlin
Senior Counsel
Hodgson Russ
Focused on public utility regulation and energy matters, Mr. McLaughlin counsels private and municipal clients... | Read More
Focused on public utility regulation and energy matters, Mr. McLaughlin counsels private and municipal clients regarding electric generation and transmission infrastructure development projects. He routinely represents clients in state permitting and siting proceedings, and coordinates with teams of interdisciplinary technical consultants and experts to evaluate environmental, land use, zoning and public relations issues in regard to project development and regulatory concerns. Mr. McLaughlin regularly represents developers and energy service companies in proceedings before the New York State Public Service Commission, including tariff interpretations, preparing public comments, and appeals.
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Jill E.C. Yung
Partner
Paul Hastings
Ms. Yung represents utility-scale solar developers, brownfields developers, hazardous waste handlers, recycling... | Read More
Ms. Yung represents utility-scale solar developers, brownfields developers, hazardous waste handlers, recycling facilities, and manufacturers in a variety of industries on a wide range of complex counseling, compliance, and litigation matters involving environmental, renewable energy, and natural resource issues. In particular, she provides counsel on regulatory compliance issues under various federal and state statutes including, but not limited to, CERCLA, RCRA, FIFRA, CWA, ESA, NHPA, NEPA and CEQA.
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