Reconciling good business with good environmental policy
As the regulatory framework further develops around the global issue of climate change, many formerly acceptable business practices will need to change. Corporate transactions and disclosures, advertising and intellectual property, real estate transactions, tax credits and rebates, government policy and regulation—all of these areas will be affected by future efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through the creation of a dedicated Climate Change Group, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck is not only helping clients meet these challenges today; we are ready to meet future challenges as well.
The Brownstein Climate Change Group brings a forward-thinking approach to matters of energy, alternative fuels, land use and water supply. The group is a multidisciplinary practice that cuts through many traditional areas of the law, including natural resources, real estate, land use, energy, corporate law, tax, litigation and public policy. By combining resources from the firm’s well-established core practices, the Brownstein Climate Change Group offers the right mix of experience and entrepreneurial sprit.
Laws, regulations and case law are quickly expanding this field to meet the dual goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing a healthy economy. Brownstein’s dedicated group of experienced attorneys offers comprehensive guidance in the myriad issues, regulations and business ramifications spawned by climate change. Working together, we can help clients succeed in their business objectives while also being responsible world citizens.
Industry-leading experience
Brownstein’s Climate Change Group draws on the firm’s vast reservoir of experience in natural resources, energy, real estate, public policy and corporate law. Group members come from a variety of government and private sector roles with extensive backgrounds in public policy and cutting-edge environmental law. Our experience gives us insight into the complex rule-making processes and political concerns that affect climate change.
The Climate Change Group has experience covering a wide spectrum of needs for energy projects, from siting to permitting to bringing plants online and products to market. Group members have represented a variety of energy producers, including companies involved in:
- Oil and gas
- Electric generation
- Electric transmission
- Gas pipeline
- Refining and mining
- Wind energy
- Natural gas turbine power
- Synthetic fuels
- Biofuels
Services
Industrial Energy Use Counsel. The Climate Change Group counsels large-scale industrial users of energy, including refineries, mines, manufacturing facilities, industry consumer coalitions and service operations. Group members provide representation before public utility commissions, state energy agencies, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and other government regulatory bodies.
Regulatory Compliance. The Climate Change Group brings significant experience in environmental regulation and compliance at local, state and federal levels. We maintain close relationships with both rule makers and energy users so that we can provide up-to-date counsel on emerging climate change programs. We regularly and proactively update all of our clients on the evolving regulations being developed.
Corporate Governance. We counsel businesses on the development of corporate climate change policies and responses to increased pressure for disclosure and assessment of the climate change impacts of corporate operations.
Carbon Markets Counsel. The Climate Change Group advises clients on participation in emissions trading in the United States and internationally. We also represent clients with regard to the creation, acquisition and disposition of emission offset credits and acid rain allowances under the U.S. Clean Air Act.
Climate Change Litigation. We have handled cases involving renewable energy project development, government regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, alleged violations of environmental regulations and federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), among other issues.
Government Relations. We provide climate change policy advice at every level of government. Group members are active in a number of States—including Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and California—as well as at the federal level.
Land Use. Working with both municipalities and developers, the Climate Change Group excels at sorting out the often-contradictory objectives of growth and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Our work also addresses the developing trends in climate change requirements under NEPA and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
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