January 25, 2012

Is Fast Track on Track?

Co-sponsored by:
The Environmental Law Institute
Farella Braun + Martel LLP
Berkeley Law Center for Law, Energy & the Environment

UNPLUGGED: THE RENEWABLE ENERGY SPEAKER SERIES
California is today experiencing a "Gold Rush" in renewable energy. Many energy companies, attorneys, consultants and environmental organizations are working with federal, state and local governments to find ways to design and develop renewable energy projects that benefit the public while protecting the environment and natural resources. Berkeley Law Center for Law, Energy & the Environment, The Environmental Law Institute and Farella Braun + Martel held a series of bimonthly panel discussions to address the issues involved in renewable energy project development.

Session 7: Is Fast Track on Track? Product Development in the New Administration

Before 2010, the United States had never approved a utility-scale solar farm on public land in California. Renewable energy projects on private, state or county lands were limited. With the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as a catalyst, California state, federal and county agencies approved more than 17,000 MW of renewable energy projects in 2010 and 2011 with over 3,000 MW on public lands. These "Fast Track" projects, permitted through close coordination between agencies, consultants, developers and public stakeholders, form the basis of our renewable energy future. While many of the permitted projects are under construction, many solar projects have stalled due to changing markets and the vagaries of a young industry. Panelists from agencies and the developer community delved into the fast and furious world of fast-track solar, where it’s been, lessons learned and where it’s going.

Panelists:
Jennifer Johnson, Northern California Energy Director, Environmental Science Associates (moderator)
Ileene Anderson, Biologist and Public Lands Deserts Director, Center for Biological Diversity
Jeff Childers, Renewable Energy Project Manager, Bureau of Land Management
Mike Monasmith, Senior Project Manager, California Energy Commission
Kenny Stein, Environmental Manager, NextEra Energy Resources

Materials:
Kenny Stein powerpoint presentation
Mike Monasmith presentation