What are the clean energy elements discussed within the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)?

The IRA invests $369 billion in clean energy and energy efficiency programs. This investment is designed to reduce the United States' reliance on foreign oil and bring down energy prices. The clean energy sections of the IRA include:

• Extending and expanding the Production Tax Credit (PTC) and Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for renewable energy. These tax credits make it more affordable for businesses to invest in renewable energy projects.

• Investing in clean energy research and development. This investment will help to accelerate the development of new clean energy technologies.

• Creating a new Clean Electricity Performance Program. This program will reward utilities for generating electricity from clean sources.

• Investing in energy efficiency programs. This investment will help to reduce energy consumption and save consumers money on their energy bills.

The IRA is expected to create millions of new jobs in the clean energy sector. The law is also expected to reduce the federal budget deficit and increase economic growth.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the clean energy sections of the IRA:

• The IRA is the largest piece of legislation ever to address climate change.

• The IRA is expected to create millions of new jobs and reduce the federal budget deficit.

• The IRA is still in its early stages of implementation, but it is expected to make a positive contribution to reducing inflation and growing the economy.

Here are some specific examples of how the IRA is expected to help the clean energy sector:

• The extension and expansion of the PTC and ITC are expected to spur investment in solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects.

• The investment in clean energy research and development is expected to help to accelerate the development of new clean energy technologies, such as carbon capture and storage.

• The Clean Electricity Performance Program is expected to reward utilities for generating electricity from clean sources, such as solar and wind.

• The investment in energy efficiency programs is expected to help to reduce energy consumption and save consumers money on their energy bills.

The IRA is a significant piece of legislation that is expected to have a major impact on the clean energy sector. The law is still in its early stages of implementation, but it is expected to make a positive contribution to reducing emissions and growing the economy.

Lanton Law is a national boutique law and government affairs firm that closely monitors legislative, regulatory and legal developments in the clean energy space. Contact us to learn about how either our legal or lobbying services can help you attain your goals.

What's in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal?

There are many people that may have heard about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, but don’t really know a summary of the new law’s details. Below is a quick “cheat sheet” on the recently enacted law.

• The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal is a $1.2 trillion investment in the nation's infrastructure, including roads, bridges, public transit, broadband internet, clean water, and power grids.

• The legislation was passed by Congress on November 5, 2021, and signed into law by President Biden on November 15, 2021.

• The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal is the largest investment in infrastructure in the United States since the Interstate Highway System was built in the 1950s.

• The legislation is expected to create millions of jobs and boost the economy.

Here are some of the specific investments that are included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal:

• $110 billion to repair and rebuild roads and bridges.

• $65 billion to expand access to clean drinking water.

• $65 billion to help ensure that every American has access to reliable high-speed internet.

• $39 billion to modernize public transit.

• $25 billion to upgrade airports.

• $17 billion to improve port infrastructure.

• $66 billion to invest in passenger rail.

• $7.5 billion to build a national network of electric vehicle chargers.

• $65 billion to upgrade the power grid.

• $50 billion to protect against climate change and extreme weather events.

• $1 billion to deliver the largest investment in tackling legacy pollution in American history.

Lanton Law is a national boutique law and government affairs firm that closely monitors legislative, regulatory and legal developments in the clean energy space. Contact us to learn about how either our legal or lobbying services can help you attain your goals.

President Biden Invokes Defense Production Act to Help Issues Related to EV Battery Materials

President Biden has invoked the Defense Production Act as a means to increase mineral production that is used to manufacture electric vehicle batteries. The document titled “Memorandum on Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950” seen here, seeks to:

“To promote the national defense, the United States must secure a reliable and sustainable supply of such strategic and critical materials.  The United States shall, to the extent consistent with the promotion of the national defense, secure the supply of such materials through environmentally responsible domestic mining and processing; recycling and reuse; and recovery from unconventional and secondary sources, such as mine waste.” 

As the world transitions to clean energy, the minerals targeted by this Order will be lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, and manganese for large capacity batteries. 

The transition to clean energy is being felt now. With soaring energy prices due to the war in Ukraine we foresee plenty of change happening with supply chain security. 

Lanton Law is a national boutique law and government affairs firm that closely monitors legislative, regulatory and legal developments for our clients. We help stakeholders understand what’s at issue so that we can help our valued clients achieve their priorities. Contact us to learn about how either our legal or lobbying services can help you attain your goals.

Massachusetts Enacts New Climate Law

This month, Governor Baker (R-MA) signed SB 9 titled “An Act Creating a Next Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy.” The new law is part of the Governor’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions in 2050. According to the press release, the new law “establishes new interim goals for emissions reductions, significantly increases protections for Environmental Justice communities across Massachusetts, authorizes the Administration to implement a new, voluntary energy efficient building code for municipalities, and allows the Commonwealth to procure an additional 2,400 Megawatts (MW) of clean, reliable offshore wind energy by 2027. Building upon the framework established in the Administration’s 2050 Decarbonization Roadmap and Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2030, the bipartisan bill allows the Commonwealth to pursue ambitious emissions reduction goals in a cost-effective and equitable manner while creating jobs and opportunities for economic development throughout Massachusetts.”

As our economy continues to evolve into the 21st century, we foresee more aggressive policies to be enacted around green energy that seeks to bring about a comprehensive solution to climate change. 

Lanton Law is a national boutique regulatory law and lobbying firm that focuses on green energy, healthcare and technology. If you are an industry stakeholder with questions about the current landscape or if you would like to discuss how your organization’s strategic initiatives might be impacted by either Congress, regulatory agencies or legal decisions, contact us today. 

New York Powers Ahead with Clean Energy Standard

New York State is on an aggressive path towards zero-carbon emissions along with pursuing ambitious goals to fight climate change. 

Recently, Governor Cuomo announced plans via a press release that the “New York State Public Service Commission approved an expansion of the landmark Clean Energy Standard to refocus New York's existing regulatory and procurement structure on achieving the goals laid out in New York's nation-leading Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, or CLCPA. The CLCPA established a 70 percent renewable electricity by 2030 mandate, setting the State on an ambitious trajectory to a zero-emission power sector by 2040. The expanded Clean Energy Standard gives the state the authority to issue a Request for Proposals for the renewable power generation sources needed to implement this plan.”

According to the release, goals of the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) are as follows: 

• Implements key provisions in the CLCPA related to securing 70 percent renewable energy by 2030, including defining renewable energy technology eligibility and the amount of renewable energy needed to meet New York's goal, identifies annual procurement targets for the Tier 1 large- scale renewable energy program adopted under the CES, and recommends changes to the existing Tier 1 procurement processes;

• Sets targets for offshore wind renewable energy intended to meet the requirement of securing nine gigawatts of offshore wind by 2035;

• Creates a new methodology for extending Tier 1 renewable energy eligibility to renewable energy facilities that undergo repowering;

• Creates a competitive five-year Tier 2 program under the CES to preserve existing renewable baseline generation to support the 70 x 30 goal;

• Creates a new Tier 4 large-scale renewable program to specifically value environmental attributes associated with renewable energy delivered into New York City that will be in addition to annual Tier 1 procurement targets; and

• Creates tangible approaches to ensure that the State's renewable energy programs provide substantial benefits for disadvantaged communities, including low to moderate income customers as called for under the

CLCPA, and builds upon its workforce development policies to specifically promote good jobs, including prevailing wage requirements.

Lanton Law is a national boutique law and lobbying firm that focuses on clean energy, technology and healthcare. Contact us today to learn about your organization’s options to prepare for additional regulatory oversight within the energy sector.

Senator Klobuchar Introduces Sweeping Omnibus Antitrust Reform Legislation

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the lead Democrat on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, recently introduced sweeping proposed legislation targeting antitrust reform. 

According to her office’s release, the Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act  will strengthen regulator oversight tools, reform enforcement and strengthen prohibitions on anticompetitive mergers and conduct. 

Specifically the bill seeks to accomplish the following:

• Increase enforcement resources

• Strengthen prohibitions against anti competitive mergers

• Prevent harmful dominant firm conduct

• Establishes a new, independent FTC division to conduct market studies and merger retrospectives 

• Implement additional reforms to enhance antitrust enforcement

Interestingly, the  The bill also clarifies that the law applies not only to monopoly power, but also to monopsony power, a company's power as a buyer or employer in the market.

There have been several mergers and acquisitions over the years that have raised questions about the long term effects of specific sectors, but the fears of a more aggressive regulator has not been of concern until now. 

Lanton Law is a national boutique law and lobbying firm that focuses on healthcare/life sciences, technology and clean energy. Contact us today to learn about your organization’s options to prepare for additional regulatory antitrust oversight.

Lanton Strategies: D.C. Based Lobbying Firm with No State Boundaries

COVID-19 has changed the way that we interact in a variety of ways. One of them being the way that businesses large and small interact with the government. Gone are the days where we can meet people in person without having to worry about travel restrictions and COVID-19 protocol. What remains is that businesses still need to get their voices heard. This is where Lanton Strategies has a strategic advantage. 

For years our firm has made connections nationwide that have allowed us to tap our business and industry rolodex in order to get client goals realized. Our unique holistic approach enables us to lobby legislators and regulators, no matter the state. In essence we are that “digital lobbyist firm” that you need. 

If you are looking for federal or state solutions and you’re unsure how to get something done, contact Lanton Strategies; a division of Lanton Law 

Will 2021 Witness the Creation of More State Green Banks?

With the incoming Biden Administration, the President elect has announced his new environmental plan “To Build a Modern, Sustainable Infrastructure and Equitable Clean Energy Future.” Among the various policy points discussed in the plan, one interesting initiative describes the development of “innovative financing mechanisms that leverage private sector dollars to maximize investment in the clean energy revolution.” This last sentence reminds me of what happened in Connecticut with regards to their Green Bank. 

The Connecticut Green Bank is the first green bank in the country. According to the Bank’s website “Established by the Connecticut General Assembly on July 1, 2011 as a part of Public Act 11-80, Connecticut Green Bank supports the Governor’s and Legislature’s energy strategy to achieve cleaner, less expensive, and more reliable sources of energy while creating jobs and supporting local economic development. The Connecticut Green Bank evolved from the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) and the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA), which was given a broader mandate in 2011 to become the Connecticut Green Bank.

Our mission is to confront climate change and provide all of society a healthier and more prosperous future by increasing and accelerating the flow of private capital into markets that energize the green economy.

Our green bank model upended the government subsidy-driven approach to clean energy by working with private-sector investors to create low-cost, long-term sustainable financing to maximize the use of public funds. We continue to innovate, educate and activate to accelerate the growth of green energy measures in the residential (single and multifamily), commercial, industrial, institutional and infrastructure sectors.”

With the incoming Administration’s intent to push into green energy and region’s like New England that have so many industries relying on a stable environment, it will not be surprising to see states create green banks like Connecticut’s in order to jumpstart local economies. 

At Lanton Law we understand the complexities of how green energy plays into business strategies. Contact us to learn about how either ourlegal orlobbying services can help you attain your goals.