December 7, 2011

Nuts and Bolts of Wind Energy: Notes from the Field

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.

Panel Session 6: Nuts and Bolts of Wind Energy: Notes from the Field

Wind turbines are a familiar site for most Californians, with development throughout the state from the southern desert to the northern hills. In the past few years, the blades of the industry have been spinning, with new and repower projects proposed in familiar and expanded territories. At the same time, wildlife, mainly birds and bats, have led to siting challenges that require close coordination among stakeholders throughout industry, government, environmental groups, and academia. Leaders from the wind world delved into the history of wind, where we are at present, the California wind energy siting conundrum, recent policy developments—such as recently-published U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service guidelines that hope to address siting challenges—sand what's ahead.

Panelists:
Ashley Conrad-Saydah, Bureau of Land Management (moderator)
Andrew Bell, The Law Office of Andrew C. Bell
Garry George, Audubon California
Rick Miller, Permitting Manager, Southwest Region, enXco
Marie Strassburger, Regional Migratory Bird Chief, US Fish & Wildlife Service

Materials:
Andrew Bell, powerpoint
Garry George, powerpoint
Rick Miller, powerpoint
Marie Strassburger, powerpoint
mp3 recording