Agenda

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Update on Regulatory Policy and Market Factors for Renewable Energy Projects

This presentation explores the evolving landscape of regulatory policy and the key market drivers shaping the future of renewable energy projects.

10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The Effect of Recent Executive Orders on Renewable Projects

This presentation will examine the impact of executive orders issued during the Trump Administration on the development of renewable energy projects in the United States. It will explore how these directives influenced regulatory processes, permitting timelines, and federal agency priorities. The session will also discuss the lasting effects of these policies and their implications for current and future renewable energy development.

10:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Break

10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

 Renewable Project Development from a Real Estate Attorney Perspective

The first part of this presentation will focus on similarities and differences between agreements for renewable energy sources (wind and solar) and mining or production of traditional sources of energy (coal, oil, gas). The second part of this presentation will take a deeper dive into some of the specific real estate issues that are involved in the development of utility scale renewable energy projects.

11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The Relationship Between Mineral Development and Solar Facilities; the ALTA 35 Policy Endorsement

Commercial solar power generation facilities are often incompatible with oil and gas production and with many coal production activities.  This presentation discusses appurtenant surface rights held by mineral owners and lessees, accommodation of competing land interests, moderating surface use risk from mineral developers, non-development agreements and obtaining the ultimate goal for solar farms:  an ALTA 35 title endorsement.

12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Break

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Siting Utility Scale Solar on Reclaimed Coal Mines

This session will explore the key federal and state regulatory challenges specific to this type of project, highlighting how evolving policies—particularly those which may arise  during the Trump Administration—have influenced compliance and implementation. It will also examine unique title concerns, as well as distinct community engagement and financial considerations that set these projects apart.

1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

An overview of state renewable project permitting in Appalachia

This presentation will provide a comparative survey of how several states approach renewable energy project development, highlighting key differences in permitting, incentives, and regulatory frameworks. It will analyze how these state-level policies impact project timelines, investment decisions, and overall market growth. Attendees will gain insights into best practices and emerging trends that are shaping renewable energy development across the country.

2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Policy Litigation and Power Prices: Pennsylvania’s RGGI Battle and PJM Capacity Auction Settlement

This presentation will explore the impact of state energy policies on power prices through the lens of legal challenges to the Pennsylvania DEP’s rulemaking to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and the Commonwealth’s FERC complaint challenging the legality of PJM Interconnection’s capacity auction price cap mechanism.

3:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Break

3:15 p.m to 3:45 p.m.

Renewable Generation on Microgrids

This session will provide an overview of the legal landscape surrounding microgrid development and industrial-scale net metering across various jurisdictions. It will also examine strategies for renewable energy developers to effectively collaborate with regulators and incumbent utilities in order to bring new renewable generation capacity online.

3:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Update on Hydrogen and Carbon Capture

This presentation will provide an update on federal hydrogen and carbon capture and storage (CCS) policies and how they may affect initiatives in Appalachia.  Key challenges and opportunities in scaling CCS and hydrogen production and distribution across the region will also be discussed.

4:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Lifecycle of a Renewable Energy Project

Are you a utility, developer, investor, or legal professional navigating the complex world of commercial solar projects? Don’t miss our upcoming presentation: “The Lifecycle of a Renewable Energy Project.” Join us as we walk you through the key legal milestones of a solar project—from site acquisition and leasing to project approvals, due diligence (including title and survey review), and easement agreements—highlighting relevant legal issues, common pitfalls, and best practices at each stage. While the focus of the presentation will be an overview of the various stages of a commercial solar project, it will also provide insight on negotiating asset purchase agreements, ground leases, and easements as well as navigating title and survey review.