Renewable Energy Project Infrastructure and Buildout: Navigating Environmental, Regulatory, and Economic Challenges

 Mr. Burns, Jr. is a member of the firm's Energy Section and focuses his practice on environmental law and its intersections with energy development, construction, commercial transactions, manufacturing, waste and natural resources issues, including coal, natural gas and other energy areas, including the environmental and developing regulatory framework affecting Marcellus Shale development and operations. He also advises clients regarding the acquisition, environmental permitting and development of renewable and alternative energy facilities, including hydropower, wind and solar projects. Mr. Burns counsels clients regarding the acquisition and financing of natural resource properties including coal, oil and natural gas. He also counsels clients with regard to the purchase, sale and remediation of brownfields and other environmentally-impacted and environmentally sensitive properties. Mr. Burns also provides counsel regarding construction and architectural contracts and concerning the purchase and development of "green" buildings. He has been certified as an accredited professional under the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standard issued by the U.S. Green Building Council. Mr. Burns has frequently lectured regarding the environmental and regulatory issues associated with Marcellus Shale development and operations.

Mr. Howland is head of the firm’s Environmental Group; co-leads its hydrogen practice; and has an active renewable energy-focused practice.  During his 28 year tenure at EPA he worked at the intersection of land cleanup and energy development, and spent his last four months at the Agency in 2018  in the Agency’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assistance, working on Superfund Task Force implementation. Mr. Howland’s work focuses on providing practical advice in the acquisition and sale of facilities and the redevelopment of brownfield sites; regulatory issues associated with renewable energy projects; counselling, enforcement, and litigation matters involving facility cleanups under federal and state laws; risk management plan preparation and emergency release/spill reporting; crafting real estate and other commercial transactions to address environmental concerns; and helping businesses identify ways to advance their operations in accord with national and international sustainability initiatives. Mr. Howland is nationally known for his work helping to facilitate the development of renewable energy projects on environmentally impaired land.