On October 30th, the New York Attorney General announced a Wind Industry Ethics Code aimed at assuring the public that wind development in the state is done ethically and legally. The Code is the result of an investigation launched by the Attorney General into allegations of improper actions by wind developers to influence landowners and public officials. According
WOW – Wind on the Water in Wisconsin?
In Spring 2008, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission opened a docket and created an external Study Group to complete a study to assist with examining the technical feasibility, economic potential, environmental impacts, and legal requirements associated with developing wind energy on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Last Friday, the Study Group released its draft report, with the
Congress Extends PTC and ITC–More Analysis to Follow
In an email alert that we just sent out, my colleagues in the Stoel Rives Tax Section report:
Today the House passed, and President Bush signed into law, H.R. 1424, which includes the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 (the Act). The Act contains the much-anticipated extension of the production tax credit (PTC) and investment tax
Michigan Passes Renewable Portfolio Standard
On September 18, 2008, the Michigan legislature sent the state’s first Renewable Portfolio Standard to the Governor’s desk for signature. The package mandates "10 percent of the state’s energy come from renewable sources by 2015, regulatory reform that protects Michigan ratepayers and allows utility companies to build new electricity generation in Michigan, and a
Upper Midwest Transmission Development Initiative Created
On September 18, 2008, the Midwest states of Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota announced creation of a regional transmission planning effort that will "promote regional electric transmission investment and cost sharing" among the states. Several entities, including MISO (which is currently conducting transmission planning studies in the region) and ITC, have issued press
Senate Passes Renewable Extensions
Despite the urgency of the crisis gripping Wall Street, the Senate stepped up yesterday to resoundingly pass HR 6049. Kudos to renewable energy leaders like Senator Cantwell and Representative Inslee who have steadily advocated for the industry. Unless one of the pending bills is successful, the sun will set on the Production Tax Credit, Investment Tax Credit and several related measures that have proven highly effective in the expansion of the wind, solar and biofuels industries.
Continue Reading Senate Passes Renewable Extensions
Client Alert: FERC’s Conditional Approval of MISO Queue Reform
Check out our client alert on FERC’s recent conditional approval of MISO’s revised large generator interconnection process. It provides highlights of the ruling and identifies next steps that MISO must take in order to flesh out some issues, including certain milestones that generators must meet in order to move towards getting their project interconnected.
Beth Soholt, executive director of Wind
Portland General Electric’s RFP Garners offers of 3,000 MW
The Portland Business Journal is reporting that Portland General Electric Company received 38 offers in its April 2008 RFP totaling up to 3000 MW in renewable energy. Continue Reading Portland General Electric’s RFP Garners offers of 3,000 MW
FERC Rules on MISO Queue Reform Proposal
On August 25, FERC issued its ruling on the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator (MISO) plan to reform the generator interconnection queue process – the method by which transmission requirements for generators wishing to connect new projects to the grid in the Midwest are reviewed and approved. FERC conditionally accepted the proposed tariff revisions, with an effective date
Texas Court Rules in Horse Hollow Wind Farm Case
The Texas Court of Appeals handed down its decision in Rankin v. FPL Energy, LLC on August 21, 2008. Plaintiffs had brought public and private nuisance claims against FPLE’s Horse Hollow Wind Farm in southwest Taylor County, Texas. The court noted that "Texas caselaw recognizes few restrictions on the lawful use of property" and ruled