Legal Services

Climate Change, Energy and Sustainability

McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP's (MLA) Climate, Energy and Sustainability team consists of more than 30 professionals with experience and a comprehensive understanding of energy policy — both of which are essential to ensuring the success of our clients. This cross-disciplinary team boasts experience in the following core areas:

  • Greenhouse gas emissions reductions
  • Green energy project development
  • Environmental assessment and impact
  • Energy regulation and contracts
  •  Federal and state legislation and regulation
  • Tax credits, grants, and other federal and state incentives
  • Litigation and arbitration
  • Government contracts
  •  Project finance and venture capital
  • Intellectual property
  • Project engineering, construction, and procurement
  • Land use and zoning
  • Real estate
  • Facility site selection and permitting

MLA’s interdisciplinary approach to climate, energy and sustainability enables our attorneys and professionals to see more opportunities and to assist our clients through various services:

  • Climate and Energy Policy and Regulation – Climate legislation remains a Congressional priority despite a lack of federal legislation. With regulatory agencies promulgating new regulations, industries must remain vigilant in protecting their interests and companies should position themselves to take advantage of the opportunities being created both domestically and internationally.
  •  Emissions Credit Markets – We represent clients in creating, acquiring, and selling greenhouse gas emission credits, including use of Clean Development Mechanism and Joint Implementation transactions under the Kyoto Protocol.
  • Energy Project Development and Infrastructure – There is increased large-scale investment by the private and public sector in low greenhouse gas and renewable energy projects, as well as the infrastructure necessary to transmit the energy to corporate consumers. These investments are driven by federal and state incentives, state renewable portfolio standard mandates and by marketable renewable energy credits. We develop and participate in coalitions to influence policy on procurement and help solution providers position themselves to benefit.
  • Green Technology – As innovation in green technologies advances, the protection of intellectual property becomes increasingly important in the development of business strategies. Our team helps companies develop, plan and protect their IP portfolios, and we assist with patent and trademark filings, copyright issues, non-disclosure and non-competition.
  • North American Cross Border Climate and Energy Projects – Our professionals are uniquely immersed in Canada-U.S. relations and have a deeply vested interest in promoting an effective bilateral relationship. Our collective experience brings the ever-shifting political landscape of both countries into better focus, as we engage deeply beyond the headlines to anticipate how emerging issues may affect our clients.
  • Risk Management, Legal and Insurance Counseling – We counsel insurance clients on the risks and opportunities associated with climate change. We also actively follow the implementation of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners climate risk disclosure requirements for insurers and help clients adapt to these evolving requirements.

Our related experience includes:

  • Wind
  • Solar
  • Biofuels
  • Biomass
  • Coal
  • Fuel Cells
  • National Environmental Policy Act

To learn more about McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP and its services, go to http://www.mckennalong.com.