Clean energy

For more than a century, Porter Wright has centered its energy sector practice in the nation’s industrial heartland. Over that time, the demands for an efficient, reliable, affordable and sustainable supply of energy for a growing population and expanding economy have constantly evolved.

As we move further into the 21st Century, public opinion, market forces, advances in science and technology, and government policy usher in transformational change to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. The resulting dynamism continues to create significant legal challenges and opportunities for businesses of all scopes and sizes.

Porter Wright helps companies avoid the obstacles to energy innovation that often block the road to success, from regulation to litigation. We work with clients at the forefront of sustainability and clean energy projects, from utilities to manufacturers, on their most complex legal concerns. And, we are proud to have been named a “Recommended firm for Utilities” by clients in BTI’s 2017 Industry Power Rankings.

Examples of our work include:

  • Coordinated economic development tax credits for construction of a cogeneration unit recognized by the U.S. EPA as a leading initiative of its kind in the nation.
  • Provided counsel on carbon credit certification standards, how the standards apply to client operations, and contractual issues in allocating the credits among participating entities, leading to a cross industry collaboration project on carbon emissions reduction.
  • Assisted with amendments to Ohio's energy policy legislation (SB 221) to include "fractionation" of "solid waste" within the definition of "renewable energy resource" for Ohio's new renewable energy portfolio standards. As a result of this amendment, innovative technologies that reduce waste and produce a clean renewable fuel are now available as means of compliance with the legislative policy goals.
  • Negotiated financing and purchasing agreements for a state-of-the-art fuel oil recycling facility which is now able to return used oil to a virtually clean base product.
  • Created license agreements to bring products to market and assisted with protection of intellectual property rights with patent applications.
  • Counseled manufacturers as their labor force expanded and helped find tax and economic development incentives for companies looking to jump start operations.