Roadblock to California Greenhouse Gas Cap and Trade Program Removed, but Others Remain

By Michael Feeley and Aron Potash A lawsuit which delayed and once threatened to dismantle California’s greenhouse gas (GHG) cap and trade scheme was largely resolved last week, removing one roadblock to California’s plan to be the first state to impose an economy-wide GHG trading program. Under modified regulations adopted by the California Air Resources … Continue Reading

Army Corps of Engineers seeks comments on new nationwide permits (NWPs) for renewable energy projects

By Daniel P. Brunton on March 3, 2011 Posted in Environmental and approvals

The Army Corps of Engineers recently proposed to reissue the existing NWPs (PDF) authorizing the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States for specified projects. For those projects, NWPs can take the place of individual permits (PDF) under section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Obtaining permit coverage through an … Continue Reading

The National Offshore Wind Strategy–DOE and DOI Jointly Announces a New Framework for Wind Energy Development and $50.5 Million in Funding Opportunities

By John W. Everett on February 11, 2011 Posted in Environmental and approvals, Tax and incentives

Eight Years. That’s how long it took what will likely be the nation’s first offshore wind farm to obtain a federal lease. It is little wonder, in light of Cape Wind’s struggle, that wind advocates have been pushing for greater federal support. Earlier this week, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of the … Continue Reading