Overview
Parsons Behle & Latimer's renewable energy team has counseled clients on various aspects of wind, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric projects which, when combined, represent over 2,000 MW of renewable electrical generation capacity in operation or in the permitting or development process. We advise clients on renewable-related interconnection and transmission projects encompassing more than 1,000 miles of high voltage (230, 345, and 500 kV) transmission facilities that are either in operation, under development, or in the early proposal stage. We have also represented large clients in procuring renewable energy and certified renewable energy credits to offset industrial energy use.
Parsons represents clients in all stages of renewable energy development, including:
- Diligence and site assessment
- Acquisition of permits
- Federal, state and local land use authorizations
- Negotiation of leases, options and state lands leases
- Easements, third-party crossing, encroachment agreements and other land rights
- Title and survey review
- Split estate evaluation and mineral surface waivers
- Membership interest purchase and sale agreements, equity capital contribution agreements and related agreements
- Issuing legal opinions and negotiating estoppel certificates
- Negotiation of power purchase and power sale agreements
- Obtaining certificates and other approvals from public service commissions
- Construction and project financing
- EPCM contracts
- Operational compliance
- Brownfields and Superfund redevelopment
Public Lands
Parsons vast experience with natural resource and energy projects that utilize or cross public lands throughout the Intermountain Region, and our resulting familiarity with NEPA, FLPMA, NHPA, the Endangered Species Act, and other wildlife protection laws, as well as Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, ensure our clients have the best counsel when seeking to develop or acquire a renewable project affecting public lands. We routinely assist clients with negotiating and securing leases, rights of way, mineral withdrawals, assignments, and other rights involving lands administered by the Utah State and Institutional Trust Lands Administration.
Private Land
Parsons' renewable energy team also has extensive experience with state, county, and municipal zoning and land use permitting necessary for developing and operating renewable energy projects on private land.
Tax
We regularly advise clients on state and federal renewable energy tax issues, including investment and production tax credits and property taxes. Parsons’ renewable energy team has been instrumental in the development of renewable tax legislation and regulations in Utah.
