Wind Energy

Wind energy has emerged as a preferred alternative energy source. More companies, utilities, manufacturers and developers are building and buying wind energy. Perkins Coie's Energy practice assists clients with all aspects of wind energy development and acquisition.

Site Selection & Real Estate Acquisition

Perkins Coie attorneys have worked with clients and consultants to evaluate potential wind project locations and to assist with fatal flaw analysis and due diligence on proposed wind projects. Once a site is selected, our real estate attorneys help developers acquire options, easements or title to potential project sites and associated mitigation areas. We also help landowners negotiate development contracts for their lands and have considerable experience assisting developers in acquiring rights to use federal and state public lands.

Permitting & Environmental Assessment

Perkins Coie attorneys are familiar with local land use requirements, environmental permitting and energy facility siting regulations. We have been involved in wind project permitting proceedings in several states. We have worked with clients, consultants and regulators to evaluate and minimize potential environmental impacts. Our attorneys have extensive experience with wildlife and habitat issues arising under the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and other federal, state and local laws.

Production & Investment Tax Credits

We have worked with state and federal tax credit and incentive programs and are experienced in the analysis of project certification standards and tax credit financing.

Project Acquisition, Financing & Power Sales

We have represented clients in numerous commercial transactions involving energy projects, from power purchase agreements and project finance arrangements to electrical interconnection and transmission agreements. We have helped purchasing utilities develop standard contracts for purchasing wind-generated energy. We have represented both buyers and sellers in commercial transactions involving wind power.

State & Federal Incentives, Green Tags, Carbon Dioxide Mitigation & Renewable Energy Credits

Wind and other renewable energy projects may be entitled to favorable treatment under renewable portfolio standards or other utility regulations. Businesses may have opportunities to sell desirable renewable components to their projects, through green tag or carbon dioxide mitigation programs. Our attorneys are familiar with these programs and can help project developers, owners, lessors and power purchasers make the most of them.