Practices

Clean Transportation, Beneficial Electrification, and Microgrids

Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell attorneys work with market participants, local and tribal governments,  and nonprofit entities to foster and accelerate the transition to clean transportation and beneficial electrification.  We provide counsel on all aspects of this transition, from policy analysis and legislative proposals to project development to purchasing agreements.  For example, we assist local jurisdictions with addressing land use changes that will result from or facilitate a shifting transportation mix.  We use our contract drafting and negotiation expertise to help clients explore options for electrifying their vehicle fleets and counsel clients with how to transition to a clean energy supply in their jurisdictions.  We also represent nonprofit organizations in advocating for standards that promote fuel-efficient and electric vehicles and other clean transportation policies.  Our attorneys provide a full range of services from policy development to representation before administrative and regulatory bodies.

For local and tribal governments considering development of microgrids for resiliency purposes, Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell utilizes its extensive knowledge on electricity generation, energy storage, grid integration, and utility risks to carry these projects to a successful completion.  We bring our deep airport, transit, and public finance expertise to bear in navigating the complexities of building microgrids within the context of public infrastructure projects.

Representative Experience

  • Representing coalition of nonprofit environmental organizations in state court defense of the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) adoption of California low-emission vehicle (LEV) standards that will secure important greenhouse gas emission reductions if federal vehicle standards are made less stringent; previously represented these organizations and Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA) in the AQCC rulemaking adopting the LEV standards.
  • Representing coalition of nonprofit environmental organizations in state court defense of Colorado AQCC rule adopting zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) standards that would require vehicle manufacturers to offer an increasing number of ZEVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles for sale each year through at least year 2025; previously represented these organizations and CC4CA in the AQCC rulemaking adopting the ZEV standards.
  • Representing nonprofit organizations in Colorado PUC proceedings involving utility transportation electrification plans.
  • Representing Environmental Defense Fund in federal Freedom of Information Act litigation to obtain U.S. Department of Transportation records related to greenhouse gas emission and fuel economy standards for light-duty vehicles and heavy-duty trailers.
  • Representing GRID Alternatives Colorado in strategies to bring equitable benefits of clean transportation to low-income individuals and disadvantaged communities.
  • Represented electric vehicle charging company in lease arrangements for novel business arrangement with utility.
  • Represented local government in California in designing and developing novel microgrid for urban neighborhood.
  • Counseled major airport regarding Voluntary Airport Low Emissions Program grants for electric vehicles