Energy and Clean Tech
Connections |
April
2009 |
Mintz Levin is pleased to unveil a newly reorganized Energy and Clean Tech Connections designed to help our clients and friends better understand the rapidly changing incentives landscape. We created a new section to highlight Privately Sourced Financial Grants‚ and expanded our coverage of Government Financial Assistance to include Tax Incentives and Rebates in addition to Grants. The Federal and State Happenings section has also been refocused to hone in on state and federal government affairs, recent and upcoming legislation, and newly-created financial incentives.
This month on Capitol Hill, an extensive energy and climate change bill was announced by Representatives Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.). The bill includes diverse provisions: a national renewable portfolio standard; a cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gas emissions; a mechanism for the purchase of “offsets” outside of the cap-and-trade system; a national carbon dioxide vehicle emissions standard and a low-carbon fuel standard; support for carbon-capture technology; new energy efficiency standards; and support for “green jobs.”
The Energy and Clean Technology Practice Group would like to congratulate client Ember Corporation‚ which recently closed its $8 million Series B-1 financing with Polaris Venture Partners‚ GrandBanks Capital‚ RRE Ventures‚ Vulcan Capital‚ DFJ ePlanet Ventures‚ New Atlantic Ventures and WestLB Mellon Asset Management‚ along with strategic partners Chevron Technology Ventures and Stata Venture Partners. In addition‚ Client RockPort Capital Partners‚ together with NGP Energy Technology Partners‚ L.P.‚ Altira Group LLC‚ Chevron Technology Ventures and General Electric‚ continued its support of Southwest Windpower last month by funding its $10 million Series B-2 financing.
Mintz Levin would also like to congratulate client GMZ Energy Inc. on the selection of its new CEO, Aaron Bent. Bent is the former founder and CEO of Continuum Photonics Inc. and was the general manager for Polatis Photonics.
Finally, the Energy and Clean Technology Practice Group is pleased to announce that Mintz Levin attorney Gabriel Schnitzler recently authored an article in Business Law Brief, entitled “Clean Tech Opportunities in Green Building Legislation.” The article provides a review of recent green building legislation, as well as an analysis of the implications of green building legislation on clean technology.
We hope that you enjoy this month’s edition of the newsletter.
In This Edition
In the News: United States
In the News: Europe
Government Financial Assistance
Privately Sourced Financial Grants
Federal and State Happenings
Spotlight on Gabriel Schnitzler
Legal News
Events
In the News: United States
EnerNOC Harvests Power in Maryland
Greentech Media - March 24, 2009
More info…
Coal-to-Gas Venture GreatPoint Heads to China
CNET News - April 2, 2009
More info…
Organizers Call Northeast’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative a Success
Chicago Tribune - April 15, 2009
More info…
Big Boost for Small Wind: GE Invests in Southwest Windpower
Greentech Media - April 6, 2009
More info…
First Solar to Build 48 MW Plant in Nevada, Largest Photovoltaic Facility in U.S.
Chicago Tribune - April 15, 2009
More info…
A123 Systems Raises $69M
Greentech Media - April 13, 2009
More info…
“Solar City” Planned for Sunshine State
Greentech Media - April 10, 2009
More info…
U.S. Installs 342 MW of Solar PV in 2008
Renewable Energy World - March 26, 2009
More info…
Google Invests in Silver Spring; Expect More
Greentech Media - March 31, 2009
More info…
Massachusetts Mulls Smart Meter Pilots
Greentech Media - April 1, 2009
More info…
Working with the Wind: Growing Employment in the European and U.S. Wind Power Sectors
Renewable Energy World - April 2, 2009
More info…
First Solar Completes U.S. $400M Acquisition of OptiSolar PV Pipeline
Renewable Energy World - April 6, 2009
More info…
Fisker Closes $85M Financing in Run-Up to Production
Cleantech Group - April 7, 2009
More info…
In the News: Europe
Norwegian Power Group Pumps £510M into Norfolk
Business Weekly - April 15, 2009
More info…
Budget Will Make or Break Renewable Energy
The Sunday Times - April 12, 2009
More info…
Th!nk Goes Dutch
Cleantech Group - March 20, 2009
More info…
Germany: The World’s First Major Renewable Energy Economy
Renewable Energy World - April 3, 2009
More info…
Norway Channels Billions into Cleantech
Cleantech Group - April 6, 2009
More info…
Firms Abandon Carbon Offsets
The Sunday Times - April 12, 2009
More info…
U.K. Hopes Europe Can Save Offshore Wind Farm
The Times - April 8, 2009
More info…
National Grid Hopes to Plug into Obama’s Millions
The Times - April 6, 2009
More info…
Spain Leads 2008 Solar Market
Cleantech Group - March 30, 2009
More info…
Covanta to Build U.S. $300M Plant in England
Renewable Energy World - March 30, 2009
More info…
Green Energy Plans in Disarray as Wind Farm Giant Slashes Investment
The Times - March 26, 2009
More info…
Wave Power Project Hits the Rocks
The Sunday Times - March 22, 2009
More info…
Government Financial Assistance
Grants
National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program
Application Deadline: April 28, 2009
More info…
SmartWay Clean Diesel Finance Program
Application Deadline: April 28, 2009
More info…
Research and Development of Hydrogen Sensor Technologies
Application Deadline: April 30, 2009
More info…
National Clean Diesel Emerging Technologies Program
Application Deadline: May 5, 2009
More info…
Transportation Electrification Program
Application Deadline: May 13, 2009
More info…
Enhanced Geothermal Systems Demonstration
Application Deadline: May 14, 2009
More info…
Development of Supply Systems to Handle and Deliver High Tonnage Biomass Feedstocks for Cellulosic Biofuels Production
Application Deadline: May 18, 2009
More info…
Massachusetts Clean Cities Private/Commercial Vehicle Program
Application Deadline: May 18, 2009
More info…
Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative
Application Deadline: May 19, 2009
More info…
Demonstration of Integrated Biorefinery Operations
Application Deadline: Mandatory letters of intent - February 20, 2009; completed applications - May 29, 2009
More info…
Clean Cities FY 09 Petroleum Reduction Technologies Projects for Transportation Sector: Area 4 of Interest: Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicles Pilot Program
Application Deadline: May 29, 2009
More info…
Advanced Water Power
Application Deadline: June 4, 2009
More info…
Biomass Research and Development Initiative
Application Deadline: June 11, 2009
More info…
Energy Innovations Small Grant Program
Application Deadline: June 11, 2009
More info…
Enhanced Geothermal Systems Component Research and Development/Analysis
Application Deadline: June 15, 2009
More info…
Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program
Application Deadline: June 30, 2009; and every 90 days thereafter as long as authority remains to make additional loans
More info…
Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Sustainable Energy Economic Development (SEED)
Application Deadline: Rolling
More info…
Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Business Expansion Initiative (BEI)
Application Deadline: Rolling
More info…
Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Large Onsite Renewables Initiative
Application Deadline: Rolling
More info…
Massachusetts Green Energy Fund
Application Deadline: Rolling
More info…
Unsolicited Proposals to the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust’s Industry Investment and Development (II&D) Program
Application Deadline: Rolling
More info…
Focus on Energy Renewable Program Incentives & Grants
Application Deadline: Rolling
More info…
Tax Incentives and Rebates
Federal Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System
More info…
Federal Business Investment Tax Credit
More info…
Federal Renewable Power Production Tax Credit
More info…
Federal Tax Credits for Home Builders
More info…
Federal Tax Deductions for Commercial Buildings
More info…
Self-Generation Incentive Program
More info…
California Property Tax Exclusion for Solar Energy Systems
More info…
Massachusetts Alternative Energy and Energy Conservation Patent Deduction (Personal and Corporate)
More info…
Massachusetts Hydropower-Property Tax Exemption
More info…
Massachusetts Local Property Tax Exemption
More info…
Massachusetts Corporate Income Tax Deduction
More info…
Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Small Renewables Initiative (SRI)
More info…
Massachusetts Commonwealth Solar
More info…
Privately Sourced Financial Grants
The Energy Foundation Grants
More info…
The Renewable Fuels Foundation Offers Its First Grants for Ethanol Production
More info…
The Carbon Trust
More info…
Federal and State Happenings
Vice President Biden Outlines Funding for Smart Grid Initiatives
Press Release, U.S. Department of Energy - April 16, 2009
More info…
House Leaders Pitch Wide-Ranging Climate Plan
Chicago Tribune - April 1, 2009
More info…
Solyndra Nabs $535M DOE Loan for 500 MW Factory
Cleantech Group - March 20, 2009
More info…
Carbon Cap Bill Introduced in U.S. House
Renewable Energy World - April 6, 2009
More info…
Energy Secretary Chu Announces $6B in Recovery Act Funding for Environmental Cleanup
Press Release, U.S. Department of Energy - March 31, 2009
More info…
FERC Approves $10B Grid Upgrade for Wind Projects
Cleantech Group - April 13, 2009
More info…
President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts
Press Release, U.S. Department of Energy - April 14, 2009
More info…
Secretary Chu Announces $41.9 Million to Spur Growth of Fuel Cell Markets
Press Release, U.S. Department of Energy - April 15, 2009
More info…
Cathy Zoi Nominated as DOE Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Assistant
Renewable Energy World - March 31, 2009
More info…
Obama Administration Announces $3.2B in Funding for Local Energy Efficiency Improvements
Press Release, U.S. Department of Energy - March 26, 2009
More info…
Green Bank Act of 2009 Introduced in U.S. House
Renewable Energy World - March 25, 2009
More info…
DOE Announces More Key Administration Posts
Press Release, U.S. Department of Energy - March 20, 2009
More info…
Spotlight on Gabriel Schnitzler
Gabriel is an associate in the Real Estate Section in the firm’s Palo Alto office. He works with commercial real estate clients and technology, health care, and energy companies in the acquisition, leasing, sale and development of properties, and has assisted commercial lenders in the financing of office and multi-family projects.
Prior to joining Mintz Levin, Gabriel was an associate in the land use and litigation departments of a California law firm, where he worked on land use and zoning matters, including obtaining land use entitlements, preparation of rezoning initiatives, and representation of property owners at public hearings.
Gabriel is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and California. He received his B.A., with honors, from the University of California, Davis (1998) and his J.D. from Yale Law School (2001).
Recent Articles:
- “Clean Tech Opportunities in Green Building Legislation,” American University, Washington College of Law Business Law Brief, Fall 2008.
- “State, Local Building Laws Point to Greener Future,” co-authored with Scott Biel, San Diego Daily Transcript, February 18, 2009.
- “Leases Involving Healthcare Providers: A few Specific Issues to Consider,” co-authored with Daria Niewenhous, New England Real Estate Journal, March 26, 2009.
Legal News
Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities Proposes Rules under Green Communities Act
Energy and Clean Technology Alert, Mintz Levin - March 13, 2009
More info…
Mintz Levin to Host “Startup-U SV: The Valuation Process,” Presented by Silicon Valley Association of Startup Entrepreneurs
Press Release, Mintz Levin - April 28, 2009
More info…
Patrick J. Kealy to Moderate a Panel at the Fourth Annual Northeast Power Markets Forum, Sponsored by Mintz Levin and Presented by Platts
Press Release, Mintz Levin - April 27, 2009
More info…
Jeremy A. Spector Appointed Chair of American Bar Association’s Committee on Tax Exempt Financing
Press Release, Mintz Levin - April 14, 2009
More info…
Major Patent Victory for Mintz Levin Client Uniloc, Inc.
Press Release, Mintz Levin - April 9, 2009
More info…
IRS Initiates Build America Bonds (Direct Payment) Program
Public Finance Alert, Mintz Levin - April 6, 2009
More info…
NASDAQ Extends Suspension of Continued Listing Rules
Securities Law Alert, Mintz Levin - April 1, 2009
More info…
Julie Korostoff Recognized in the Top Ten Lawyers in Boston by Women’s Business Boston
Press Release, Mintz Levin - April 1, 2009
More info…
R. Robert Popeo Receives Curtin Public Interest Award from Boston College Law School
Press Release, Mintz Levin - March 27, 2009
More info…
Mintz Levin’s New York Office Receives Proclamation of Thanks Award from My Sisters’ Place
Press Release, Mintz Levin - March 25, 2009
More info…
Securities and Exchange Commission to Consider Reinstating the “Uptick Rule”
Securities Law Alert, Mintz Levin - March 16, 2009
More info…
California Supreme Court Holds that Escape of Pollutants - Not Deposit - Is the Relevant Discharge for Application of the Pollution Exclusion, and that Insurer Can Be Liable for Indivisible Damages
Insurance/Reinsurance and Litigation Alert, Mintz Levin - March 13, 2009
More info…
Events
April
Northeast Power Markets Forum
April 27–28, 2009
The Fairmont Washington
Washington, D.C.
More info…
Energy Efficiency Global Forum & Exposition
April 27–29, 2009
Palais des Congres
Paris, France
More info…
Organic Photovoltaics 2009
April 27–29, 2009
Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
More info…
Implementation of Renewable Energy in the Emerging Markets of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean 2009 (REEM09)
April 27–29, 2009
Hotel Nikko
San Francisco, California
More info…
The Clean Tech Revolution
Upside Driver in a Down Market
April 28, 2009
Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine
San Diego, California
More info…
Thin Film Solar
April 28–29, 2009
Hotel Nikko
San Francisco, California
More info…
Cleantech Forum XXII
April 28–30, 2009
Copenhagen, Denmark
More info…
Sustainable Manufacturing Summit
April 29–30, 2009
Navy Pier
Chicago, Illinois
More info…
May
Clean Technology Conference & Expo 2009
May 3–7, 2009
George R. Brown Convention Center
Houston, Texas
More info…
WINDPOWER 2009 Conference & Exhibition
May 4–7, 2009
McCormick Place Convention Center
Chicago, Illinois
More info…
Gulf Solar
Commercializing Solar across the Middle East
May 5–7, 2009
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
More info…
SolarTech/CALSEIA Summit
Accelerating the Solar Economy
May 6–7, 2009
Town Hall Conference Center
San Jose, California
More info…
SNEC 3rd International Photovoltaic Power Generation Conference & Exhibition
May 6–8, 2009
Shanghai, China
More info…
SOLAR 2009
May 11–16, 2009
Buffalo Niagara Convention Center
Buffalo, New York
More info…
New England Clean Energy Council’s Green Business Summit
May 15, 2009
Sheraton Hotel Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
More info…
TiEcon 2009
The World’s Largest Entrepreneurs Conference
May 15–16, 2009
Santa Clara Convention Center
Santa Clara, California
More info…
An Introduction to Solar Technology & Markets
May 20–21, 2009
London, United Kingdom
More info…
Santa Barbara Summit on Energy Efficiency
May 20–21, 2009
Corwin Pavilion, UC Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California
More info…
Venture Summit East
May 20–22, 2009
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Boston, Massachusetts
More info…
TiEcon East 2009
May 21–22, 2009
The Westin Hotel
Waltham, Massachusetts
More info…
Metering China Conference & Exhibition 2009
May 26–28, 2009
Beijing International Convention Center
Beijing, China
More info…
Renewable Energy Europe 2009
May 26–28, 2009
KoelnMesse, Cologne, Germany
More info…
Offshore Wind & Transmission Forum
Strategies & Challenges in Scaling Up the Offshore Wind Industry
May 27–28, 2009
Brussels, Belgium
More info…
Hydrogen + Fuel Cells 2009
Partnerships for Global Energy Solutions
May 31–June 3, 2009
Vancouver Conference & Exhibition Centre
Vancouver, Canada
More info…
June
Photovoltaics Summit 2009
June 1–3, 2009
Hotel Kabuki
San Francisco, California
More info…
Carbon Reduction Commitment Summit
June 2–3, 2009
London, United Kingdom
More info…
Concentrating Solar Thermal Power 2009
June 4–5, 2009
Hotel Kabuki
San Francisco, California
More info…
34th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
June 7–12, 2009
Philadelphia Marriott
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
More info…
PV America
June 8–10, 2009
Pennsylvania Convention Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
More info…
BuilConn: Smart Green Sustainable Buildings
June 8–11, 2009
Santa Clara Convention Center
Santa Clara, California
More info…
Carbon Finance North America 2009
Preparing for a new era in U.S. emissions markets
June 11–12, 2009
Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers
New York, New York
More info…
Solar Economics Forum
Towards Grid Parity
June 16–18, 2009
London, England
More info…
6th Renewable Energy Finance Forum Wall Street
June 23–24, 2009
Waldorf Astoria
New York, New York
More info…
BioPower Generation USA
June 23–24, 2009
Chicago, Illinois
More info…
REFF Wall Street
June 23–24, 2009
Waldorf Astoria
New York, New York
More info…
BWEA Offshore Wind 2009
June 24–25, 2009
London, United Kingdom
More info…
Financing the Cleantech Vision
June 25, 2009
The Sheraton Palo Alto
Palo Alto, California
More info…
July
InterSolar North America
July 14–16, 2009
Moscone Center
San Francisco, California
More info…
The IEA & Marketforce’s Renewables 2009
July 8–9, 2009
Radisson SAS Portman
London, England
More info… |
