Energy & Telecommunications

Offshore & Onshore Wind Power

Offshore and onshore wind projects are large and complex undertakings. From conception, to development, to full implementation, progress is dependent on implementing an approach that makes a client’s project inevitable. This strategy requires anticipation of key issues in permitting, skilled public relations, and vigorous prosecution of winning arguments. With every project, we stay focused on effective strategies that minimize controversy and risks, diminish costs, and increase inevitability.

Unparalleled Development Success in New England

Preti Flaherty has been at the forefront of a number pivotal offshore and onshore wind projects in New England. We had the unique experience of being the regulatory counsel to the only existing offshore wind power project pending in Maine—Maine Aqua Ventus—the first floating offshore project in New England to be awarded a term sheet by a governmental authority. 

Beyond Maine, Preti Flaherty has been instrumental in a number of wind power development projects. For example, our Energy lawyers negotiated a Joint Development Agreement between Deepwater Wind Rhode Island, LLC, the Office of Energy Resources, and the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (on behalf of the Rhode Island Governor and Commissioner of Energy) that advanced the 30 MW pilot wind power project, which could be followed by a 110 MW expansion, off the coast of Rhode Island. In addition, we have represented Renewable Energy Systems Americas, Inc. (RES Americas) in identifying and assessing the feasibility of large-scale wind projects in the northeast United States and in Maritimes Canada.

The firm’s deep experience with renewable energy projects, including hydro (river as well as pump storage), tidal, biomass, waste-to-energy, geothermal, fuel cells, and solar (both passive and active), compliments our ability to provide counsel for offshore and onshore wind power projects.

Government Affairs Acumen

Preti Flaherty's energy and environmental attorneys have been immersed in the establishment of the legislative and regulatory paradigms governing the development of renewable power projects since the 1990s and continue to be immersed in the area from both a project development and legislative/regulatory development perspective.

Our lawyers and lobbyists have been involved in every significant piece of renewable energy legislation in New England, whether defending Renewable Portfolio Standards, promoting local and community net metering projects, lobbying on governmental renewable power procurement programs, or promoting energy infrastructure development. In fact, before the successful Aqua Ventus project was before the Maine Public Utilities Commission, Preti Flaherty's Energy lawyers were involved in crafting a key compromise facilitating passage of Maine’s original Ocean Energy Act, which paved the way for development of Maine’s offshore wind assets. 

Our offshore and onshore wind power and renewables related services include:

  • Responses to Governmental/Utility RFPs
    • Pre-RFP issuance and lobbying services
    • Assistance with RFP response preparation and submission
    • Term Sheet, PPA, and other commercial negotiations, strategy, and drafting
  • Environmental Permitting
    • Clean Water Act §404 Permits (dredge and fill)
    • State permits
    • Rivers and Harbors Act
    • Local permits (as applicable to land-side development)
  • CZMA Consistency Determinations
  • Real Estate/Land Use
    • BOEM leasing/approvals
    • Acquisition (purchase, lease, and options)
    • Rezoning and state/local permitting
    • Conservation easements
    • Submerged lands leases
  • Linear Projects
    • Transmission lines, pipelines, and roads
  • Interconnection Agreements
  • Regional Grid Operator ISO-New England
    • Participation in and compliance with markets run by ISO-NE
  • Federal Licensing and Permitting
    • Approval to make wholesale energy sales, including Market Based Rate Authority
    • Presidential Permits (where applicable)
  • Power Purchase Agreements and Long Term Contracting
    • Numerous representations in connection with the negotiation of PPAs
  • Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)
    • REC Certifications in northeastern U.S. jurisdictions
    • REC Sales Contract review and negotiation
    • REC compliance and reporting assistance and advice
  • Project Financing
    • Due Diligence
    • Commercial
    • Public and Private
    • Debt and Equity
    • Tax Increment Financing
    • State economic development program opportunities
  • Federal Grants and Loan Guaranties

Firm Highlights

Publication

Failure to Follow Your Contract's Notice Requirements Can be Costly

In Kinetic Systems, Inc. v. IPS-Integrated Projects Services, LLC et. al., No.: 20-cv-1125 (D.N.H. February 6, 2024), the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire granted summary judgment for a general contractor...

News

Attorney Jeffrey Thaler Named to 2024 Lawdragon Green 500: Leaders in Energy Law

Preti Flaherty’s attorney Jeffrey Thaler has been recognized by  Lawdragon  as one of the top 500 Leaders in Energy Law. This is Jeff’s third time named to this prestigious list since the first publication...

Event

Sigmund Schutz to moderate panel at 36th Annual Media and the Law Seminar: Under Attack! Existential Threats to Journalism and Free Speech

From unlawful searches and seizures of newsrooms and highly contentious litigation to physical harassment and calls for violence online, journalists and news organizations are under attack like never before. At the 36 th Annual...

Publication

Helping Employers Navigate the New Independent Contractor Rule and Compliance Challenges

On March 11 th , the United States Department of Labor’s (DOL) new Independent Contractor Rule goes into effect.  As your organization readies itself for compliance, it’s imperative to scrutinize your independent contractor classifications...

News

Benchmark Litigation Names Preti Flaherty 2024 “Maine Firm of the Year"

Benchmark Litigation has named Preti Flaherty as 2024 Litigation Firm of the Year in the State of Maine. Through extensive peer- and- client reviewed research, as well as analysis of casework; the Benchmark Awards...

Event

Accessing Police Misconduct Records

Preti’s Sigmund Schutz will be one of the Maine panelists in New England First Amendment Coalition’s Accessing Police Misconduct Records series. This series continues NEFAC’s freedom of information lessons and builds on the information...

Publication

USCIS Announces H-1B Registration Period for FY2025: New “Beneficiary Centric” Registration Process and Increased Fees

USCIS has recently announced a series of changes that will impact the FY2025 H-1B registration system and cap filing season. H-1B Registration Period and Organizational Accounts As in prior years, under this process, prospective petitioners...

News

Preti Flaherty Welcomes Trust and Estate Attorney Elise Salek to the Firm

Preti Flaherty is pleased to announce that Elise Salek has joined the firm’s Trusts & Estates Practice Group. Practicing out of the firm’s Concord, New Hampshire office, Elise brings nearly three decades of experience...

Publication

November 7, 2023 Election Results

Maine’s November 2023 statewide elections were exclusively referendum questions, four were citizen initiatives, and four were proposed amendments to the Maine Constitution. Of these, Questions 5, 7 and 8 were placed on the ballot...

News

David Van Slyke Named to 2024 Lawdragon Green 500: Leaders in Environmental Law

Preti Flaherty’s Managing Partner David Van Slyke has been recognized by Lawdragon as one of the top 500 environmental lawyers in the U.S. It’s the third time he has been named to this prestigious...