Renewable Energy Zoning & Permitting Essential Principles

January 27, 2025 | Online :: Central Time

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“The material presented was comprehensive and a good foundation for permitting renewable projects.” Permitting Coordinator, Primoris Renewable Energy

“Great content and will help me be more successful at permitting large scale (or all size) solar power projects in the future.” Analyst, Planning & Engineering, ibV Energy Partners

“I would recommend EUCI’s conferences. I attended the “Renewable Energy Zoning & Permitting Essential Principles” conference, and it was interesting and informative. The conference speakers were top notch.”  Senior Regulatory Specialist, Fisher Associates

Against the backdrop of an evolving energy landscape, this conference illuminates the pivotal role that zoning and permitting plays in shaping the sustainable future we strive for. Attendees will gain comprehensive knowledge that encompasses legal frameworks, environmental considerations, community engagement, technological integration and more. This conference will unite a diverse array of perspectives, fostering collaboration that will empower attendees to propel renewable energy projects from concept to reality.

Join us to unlock the keys to regulatory mastery, sustainable integration, and a future fueled by renewable energy.

Learning Outcomes

• Explore the lifecycle of renewable energy projects, from siting to post-construction monitoring
• Recognize the differences in zoning control between state and local levels
• Identify legal hurdles in renewable energy development and assess potential solutions
• Evaluate legal aspects such as contract negotiations, land leases, easements and compliance with local and federal laws
• Explore risk mitigation strategies specific to the development of renewable energy projects, including road use agreements and stakeholder relationships
• Review key issues specific to working on federally managed lands in the western United States
• Identify potential solutions and best practices for overcoming permitting hurdles
• Analyze the multi-jurisdictional permitting process for offshore wind projects
• Evaluate strategies for effective stakeholder coordination and environmental management for offshore wind projects
• Assess the regulatory and permitting landscape for battery energy storage projects in key renewable energy states
• Explore the complexities of Arizona’s power plant and transmission line siting process, including relevant zoning and land use considerations
• Evaluate effective strategies for engaging with local communities, landowners, government agencies and other stakeholders to build support and address concerns related to renewable energy projects

Monday, January 27, 2025 : Central Time

9:00 – 9:05 a.m. :: Overview and Instructions

9:05 – 9:50 a.m. :: Harnessing Nature’s Power: A Holistic Approach to Developing Renewable Energy Projects

The continuous desire to diversify and stabilize the production of energy with clean energy sources has spurred the development of renewable energy projects, with a utility focus on wind, solar, and storage technologies. This presentation will present a comprehensive overview of the lifecycle of a renewables project, from initial siting to post-construction monitoring, emphasizing a holistic approach that integrates environmental considerations, regulatory compliance, and community engagement.

Ryan Rupprecht, Senior Project Manager, SWCA Environmental Consultants

9:50 – 10:30 a.m. :: Legal and Contractual Trends in Renewable Energy Project Development

Renewable energy projects are complex, long-term, require significant capital investment and typically involve a wide variety of stakeholders. In an industry that is undergoing swift and unprecedented development, the risk of disputes arising during each phase of a project is high. The scale and speed of development, set against an ever-changing regulatory backdrop, requires careful thought to ensure that parties adequately consider and account for these risks. In this session, we consider the current renewables sector, review the specific risks associated with renewables projects and then assess potential legal and contractual mechanisms for mitigating such risks.

• Road use agreements: special provisions for road use and fees
• Recent developments in agreements with landowners and stakeholders
• Legal hurdles and potential solutions in renewable energy development
• Risk mitigation approaches to developing wind, solar, and battery storage
• Overcoming challenges to renewable energy projects

Amy Antoniolli, Counsel, ArentFox Schiff LLP

10:30 – 10:45 a.m. :: Morning Break

10:45 – 11:15 a.m. :: Permitting in the Western US (Working on Federal Lands)

The federal government owns about 640 million acres of land in the United States, about 28% of the total land area of 2.27 billion acres. The majority (92%) of federal lands are located in Alaska and western states, managed by a range of federal agencies. This presentation provides an overview of some of the key issues specific to working on federally managed lands in the western United States, which can require involvement of one to multiple federal agencies for a single project.

Doree Dufresne, Senior Project Manager, TRC Companies

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. :: Navigating Zoning & Permitting for Solar Energy Development

Local permitting of ground mounted solar energy generation facilities, whether DG or utility-scale in size, is often a two-step process with a zoning action being the first, followed by local land use permits and approvals. In addition, it is typical to have County, State and Federal level permitting/approval requirements by various authorities having jurisdictions (“AHJ’s”). This session will explore how zoning affects the engineering/design and development of such projects and informs the permitting process. Topics included in the presentation are:

• State level provisions affecting local zoning
• Purpose of local solar ordinances and summary of “typical” design and performance standards
• Overview of common permitting process for both Greenfield and Brownfield solar energy development, including:
  • Zoning actions/creative solutions – use variance, waiver, zoning amendment, PUD, rezoning
  • Local permits/approvals (e.g. site plan review, Special or Conditional Use permit, environmental quality review, if applicable)
  • Miscellaneous reviews and approvals (e.g. County Planning, SHPO, Endangered/Threatened Species reviews, FAA screening)
• Environmental permitting for regulated sites (e.g. landfills, Brownfields, RCRA, Superfund)

Gina Wolfman, Senior Director of Project Development, AC Power

Aiden Damon, Senior Analyst of Project Development, AC Power

12:15 – 1:15 p.m. :: Lunch Break

1:15 – 2:00 p.m. :: From Sea to Grid: Navigating Multi-Jurisdictional Permitting for Offshore Wind

Offshore wind development is a unique renewable energy sector that intersects various regulatory bodies, including federal, state, and local authorities. The permitting process is often multi-layered and involves extensive coordination across agencies, such as the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, state environmental agencies, local municipal bodies, and non-governmental organizations. This presentation will explore the complex landscape of multi-jurisdictional permitting for offshore wind, focusing on the following key areas:

• Federal vs. state permitting frameworks
• Local permitting with conservation commissions
• Stakeholder coordination
• The role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping tools in addressing local environmental concerns
• Overview of the offshore wind project lifecycle
• Cross-jurisdictional case studies
• Emerging trends and challenges

Erika Mincarelli, Project Manager, Power Engineers, Inc.

2:00 – 2:45 p.m. :: The Ins and Outs of Battery Energy Storage System

This presentation will cover legislative and permitting considerations for battery energy storage projects in popular renewable energy states such as California, Texas, and New York. Some topics that will be covered include:

• Examine regulatory and permitting rules for energy storage
• BESS resistance in counties
• Why is it difficult to get approval
• Permitting best practices for approval

Janique Williams, Manager – Regulatory Strategy and Compliance, WGL Energy

2:45 – 3:00 p.m. :: Afternoon Break

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. :: Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting

In 1971, the Arizona Legislature created the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee to review construction of new major electric facilities in Arizona and make recommendations to the Arizona Corporation Commission. Today, the Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee has before it a robust slate of electric infrastructure projects looking to enter Arizona. Due to the surge in new technology and infrastructure, the relevant statutes and regulations no longer operate effectively and efficiently in reviewing projects and are being updated to accommodate the evolution of the energy industry. This session will provide attendees with an overview of the power plant and line siting process, including discussion of relevant zoning, permitting, and land use considerations.

Elias Ancharski, Associate, Osborn Maledon

Travis Hunt, Commercial Litigation and Environmental Attorney, Osborn Maledon

4:00 – 4:30 p.m. :: Clear Communication in Community Solar

This presentation will explore the role of communication in solar project development, focusing on both internal and external collaboration for successful outcomes. Attendees will gain insights into the best practices for engaging with various stakeholders, improving project efficiency, and overcoming challenges through clear communication. Included in the discussion will be:

• Internal communications
• External communications
• Real-world examples/case studies
• Techniques, tools, and tips
• Key takeaways and actionable steps

Olivia Feldman, Community Solar Development Manager, Lightstar Renewables

Elias Ancharski, Associate, Osborn Maledon

When a client wishes to expand their public utilities footprint in Arizona, they call upon Elias Ancharski. Eli’s specialty involves providing counsel to private companies spearheading energy development and environmental initiatives in Arizona. Eli frequently works as the bridge between companies and Arizona’s governing regulatory agencies. Using his expertise in government and regulatory law and state and local administrative law to accompany clients through transactional and regulatory hurdles, Eli’s counsel includes preparing his clients’ proposals for compliance and ultimate success. His clients include water utility companies, electric cooperatives, energy developers, energy procurement companies, telecommunications providers, and energy interest groups. While attending Vermont Law School, Eli interned at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and spent a semester with the Arizona Corporation Commission in the Legal Division assisting with state-related utility matters. That experience set Eli on a career trajectory combining his passion for the great outdoors with his interest in business and law. 

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Amy Antoniolli, Counsel, ArentFox Schiff LLP

Amy Antoniolli is an environmental and energy lawyer with broad experience in compliance, administrative, and enforcement-related issues. She focuses her time on land use, zoning, and environmental siting, permitting and due diligence issues for renewable energy project development and financing matters. Environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) is a growing area of focus for her practice. Amy co-leads AFS’ ESG team that was launched in 2021. She counsels clients on ESG-related regulatory matters and compliance strategies, which is quickly becoming a key area for energy transactions.

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Aiden Damon, Senior Analyst of Project Development, AC Power

As Senior Analyst for the Project Development team, Aiden provides the project managers with support in carrying projects from site screening to environmental due diligence, engineering/design through the permitting and approvals phase. As a Senior Analyst, she prepares land use and zoning analyses for all projects in development and provides technical review of Phase I ESA’s, wetlands delineation reports, natural resources studies and various engineering and environmental deliverables. In addition, Aiden assists with the preparation of permit applications, as well as the solar incentive application process in various markets. With a specialty in environmental regulation and land use policy, Aiden is able to support various tasks and phases of project development.

Aiden holds a BA in environmental history and a MA in Global Climate change an Sustainability from the School for International Training.

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Doree Dufresne, Senior Project Manager, TRC Companies

Doree DuFresne provides over 25 years of experience in project management, environmental evaluations, and permitting services for a range of projects including small community solar or battery storage developments, larger solar or wind developments, and large multi-state projects. Her project experience includes both direct contracts with project proponents as well as third-party contractor work, resulting in a wide perspective to successfully negotiate projects that involve multiple federal, state, and local agencies, as well as a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Her National Environmental Policy Act experience includes management and production of BLM applications, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Resource Reports, Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Assessments, Biological Assessments, and Resource Management Plans. She has direct experience with multiple federal and state agencies including but not limited to Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and state 401/404 permitting, Department of State, and FERC.

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Olivia Feldman, Community Solar Development Manager, Lightstar Renewables

Growing up near the Ashokan Reservoir, where New York City sources much of its drinking water, Olivia seeks to connect broad environmental conservation with greater societal needs while preserving community character. Today, as a Development Manager at Lightstar Renewables, LLC, Olivia finds that balance through managing ground-mounted community solar projects across New York and Maryland. Her role involves conducting feasibility analyses to ensure project viability and driving her projects through development, balancing schedules, objectives, and realities. Prior to this, she spent nearly six years at TRC Companies, Inc., where she advanced from Environmental Intern to Senior Environmental Analyst. Olivia’s experience at TRC Companies spanned from GPS technician work for wetland delineations to managing external communications and ensuring regulatory compliance for utility-scale renewable energy projects. Throughout her career she has cultivated an ability to coordinate with diverse stakeholders to develop responsible solar projects that benefit both the communities they serve and the broader environment, striving to find the balance between progress and preservation to benefit the generations to come.

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Travis Hunt, Commercial Litigation and Environmental Attorney, Osborn Maledon

Travis Hunt is an emerging commercial litigator with a focus on environmental and regulatory matters. His practice covers complex civil litigation, appeals, administrative proceedings, and environmental aspects of transactions and project development. He represents clients ranging from energy companies to Native American tribes, handling issues in property law, contract disputes, and constitutional matters. Travis excels in motions, briefs, oral arguments, discovery, and trials.

Before joining Osborn Maledon, Travis worked at an international energy law firm in Houstin, representing clients in class actions and regulatory matters. He graduated with highest honors from BYU Law and clerked for federal judges. He was recognized by Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch in 2021 and 2022.

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Erika Mincarelli, Project Manager, Power Engineers, Inc.

Erika Mincarelli is a Project Manager and Environmental Planner with POWER Engineers, Inc., specializing in guiding offshore wind and utility projects through the complex permitting process. With a background in marine fisheries, policy, and environmental law, she brings a hands-on approach to navigating regulatory challenges. Erika’s work includes key contributions to the M/V Golden Ray salvage operation and environmental monitoring for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) Project, the first U.S. wind turbines in federal waters. Outside of work, she’s an avid adventurer who enjoys trail running, kayaking, and exploring nature.

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Ryan Rupprecht, Senior Project Manager, SWCA Environmental Consultants

With over two decades of comprehensive professional experience spanning the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast regions, Mid-West and West Coast, Ryan is a seasoned expert in energy and environmental regulatory affairs. His proficiency extends to navigating complex state regulatory landscapes, notably with in-depth knowledge of the state Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) application process, including CEQA, Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 316b/404/401 regulations, and the NEPA framework.

Ryan is the generation practice lead for the North Division within SWCA and oversees a diverse portfolio of energy-related projects encompassing electrical transmission, renewables, refineries, power plants, petrochemical facilities, and gas/oil pipelines. Ryan excels in siting studies, impact assessments, and permitting for both traditional and renewable energy projects. His diverse skill set covers ecological characterizations, wetland delineations, species surveys, fisheries sampling, and regulatory agency coordination. Renowned for providing expert testimony, he actively contributed to industry committees, authors technical articles, and is a features speaker at conferences. In his dynamic role, Ryan continues to shape the future of energy and environmental initiatives.

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Gina Wolfman, Senior Director of Project Development, AC Power

As the leader of the project development team at AC Power, Gina is responsible for permitting and interconnection processes, as well as legal support for solar PV projects. In early-stage development, she works with other members of the team to analyze site feasibility and identify risks. Gina communicates with utilities as well as Federal, State, and local authorities having jurisdiction throughout the land use permitting and interconnection processes to ensure AC Power’s projects are completed on schedule and within budget.

Prior to joining AC Power, Gina worked as a Senior Project Developer, developing commercial solar PV ground mount projects ranging from 3 to 20 MW AC and providing legal support for projects. Gina has extensive experience in site investigation, remediation design, and construction-remediation oversight. She has worked with NYSDEC Brownfield Cleanup Program on redevelopment sites in the New York Metropolitan area and across the North East. She has worked as an environmental and land use planner, focusing on permitting and environmental impact analysis for all types of projects.

Gina holds a JD and Certificate in Environmental Law from Pace University School of Law (and is admitted to the New York Bar); a BA in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Wildlife Biology, from the University of Vermont; and earned a Wetland Delineation Certificate through Cook College, Rutgers University.

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Janique Williams, Manager – Regulatory Strategy and Compliance, WGL Energy

Janique Williams is an accomplished attorney specializing in energy policy with extensive experience in real estate and utility interconnection regulations. She has been involved in energy infrastructure projects and real estate transactions for utility companies, shaping interconnection policies and navigating complex regulatory challenges. Her expertise includes renewable energy project development, utility-scale solar and wind farm agreements, grid interconnection negotiations, energy storage regulations, interconnection strategy and real estate acquisition for energy projects. Additionally, she has spoken at industry conferences and published articles on the intersection of energy policy and property rights.

We will be using Microsoft Teams to facilitate your participation in the upcoming event. You do not need to have an existing Teams account in order to participate in the broadcast – the course will play in your browser and you will have the option of using a microphone to speak with the room and ask questions, or type any questions in via the chat window and our on-site representative will relay your question to the instructor.

• Microsoft recommends downloading and installing the Teams app if possible. You may also use the Edge browser or Chrome.
• You will receive a separate email with a unique link to a personalized landing page which will include links to join all sessions of this event.
• If you are using a microphone, please ensure that it is muted until such time as you need to ask a question.
• The remote meeting connection will be open approximately 30 minutes before the start of the course. We encourage you to connect as early as possible in case you experience any unforeseen problems.

Please Note: Confirmed speakers do not need to register and are encouraged to participate in all sessions of the event. If you are a speaker and have any questions please contact our offices at 1.303.770.8800

Please Note: This event is being conducted entirely online. All attendees will connect and attend from their computer, one connection per purchase. For details please see our FAQ

If you are unable to attend at the scheduled date and time, we make recordings available to all attendees for 7 days after the event

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Renewable Energy Zoning & Permitting Essential Principles

January 27, 2025 | Online

Your registration may be transferred to a member of your organization up to 24 hours in advance of the event. Cancellations must be received on or before December 27, 2024 in order to be refunded and will be subject to a US $195.00 processing fee per registrant. No refunds will be made after this date. Cancellations received after this date will create a credit of the tuition (less processing fee) good toward any other EUCI event. This credit will be good for six months from the cancellation date. In the event of non-attendance, all registration fees will be forfeited. In case of conference cancellation, EUCIs liability is limited to refund of the event registration fee only. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as complaints and refunds, please contact our offices at 303-770-8800

Credits

EUCI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

EUCI is authorized by IACET to offer 0.6 CEUs for this event.

Verify our IACET accreditation

Who recognizes IACET Credits?

Requirements for Successful Completion of Program

Participants must sign in/out each day, be in attendance for the entirety of the course to be eligible for continuing education credit.

Instructional Methods

Power Point presentations and Q&A

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Upon successful completion of this event, program participants interested in receiving CPE credits will receive a certificate of completion.

Course CPE Credits: 7.5
There is no prerequisite for this Course.
Program field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Advanced Preparation: None

EUCI is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its web site: www.nasbaregistry.org

 

Who Should Attend

• Utilities
• Federal, state, city and municipal agencies
• Renewable energy project developers, investors and sponsors
• Attorneys
• Consultants
• Non-profits & associations focused on environmental policy