2013

Renewable Energy Institute

Austin Jan 28, 29-30, 2013 AT&T Conference Center
optional Mon Afternoon session
Conference Concluded

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Overview

In 2013, the Renewable Energy Institute widens its scope to address developments on the state, national and international scale. Join A-list speakers including former Colorado Governor and current Director of the Center for the New Energy Economy, Bill Ritter, and FERC Chairman, Jon Wellinghoff, for two and a half days of presentations covering legal updates, practice tips and broader policy discussions about renewable energy now and in the future.

Institute highlights include:

International Renewable Energy Track focuses on developing international renewable energy projects, with case studies of Brazil, Turkey, Poland and Mexico

Nuts and Bolts of Renewable Energy Track focuses on financing, tax risks and incentives, power purchase agreements, surface usage conflicts with mineral exploration, new ALTA title insurance endorsements, revisions to the FTC Green Guides, severance of wind rights and wind leases

A comprehensive cost and benefit comparison of renewable energy vs. fossil fuels, the influence of the natural gas boom on renewable energy and a utility roundtable from the energy buyer’s perspective

Success stories of renewable energy development from Arizona State Land Commissioner, Vanessa Hickman, and Former Colorado Governor, Bill Ritter

Legislative, regulatory, litigation and policy updates for wind, solar, storage and distributed energy in Texas and nationwide, with a special focus on three storage facilities currently in operation–including the McIntosh CAES facility

The role of the United States Army in renewable energy innovation is presented by John Lushetsky, Executive Director of the U.S. Army Energy Initiatives Task Force

The program includes faculty and sponsors representing internationally recognized organizations and firms from across all sectors involved in the renewable energy industry—with local, state and federal government agencies, energy providers and cooperatives, national renewable energy advocacy associations and experts from Poland, Turkey and Brazil.

Event Schedule

Program is subject to change.
All times are Central Time Zone.

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Monday Afternoon, Jan. 28, 2013
12:15 pm

Registration Opens
Track A: International Renewable Energy Track
Presiding Officer:
Zeina El-Azzi, Velocity Power Partners - Austin, TX
1:00 pm

1.25 hrs

International Renewable Project Development Challenges and Opportunities

With economic challenges for the development of renewable energy in the U.S., developers are looking to other countries. An exploration of the major issues facing global renewable energy development, including Poland-EU, Brazil and cross-border legal and financing issues.

Moderator:
Craig S. O'Connor, Export-Import Bank of the United States - Washington, DC
Panelists:
Dino T. Barajas, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP - Los Angeles, CA
Panelists:
Stan Popów, Finacorp - 02-765 Warszawa, Poland
Panelists:
Marcello Storrer, Eólica Brasil Ltda - São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Panelists:
Soll Sussman, U.S.-Mexico Border Energy Forum - Austin, TX
2:15 pm

1.00 hr

Financing International Projects

Development of renewable energy projects in international markets is expanding rapidly. The success of this expansion will be determined in large part by the availability of financing. A case study review of successful renewable energy projects in various countries and how they were financed, including considerations of financing structures, requirements and alternative sources.

Moderator:
Lance T. Brasher, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates - Washington, DC
Panelists:
David Halligan, Goldwind USA, Inc. - Chicago, IL
Panelists:
Ivan Oliveros, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation - New York, NY
Panelists:
Stan Popów, Finacorp - 02-765 Warszawa, Poland
Panelists:
Michael Whalen, SolarReserve - Santa Monica, CA
3:15 pm

0.25 hr

Break
3:30 pm

0.50 hr

Brazil—A Case Study on Achieving Energy Independence

Following the oil shock of the 1970s, Brazil passed a long-term energy policy with an objective of achieving energy independence. Brazil achieved its goal and became a net exporter of energy within 30 years. An examination of the laws, incentives and energy mix which combined to make Brazil energy independent. A look at how Brazil's experience may inform the United States as it seeks to develop its own long term energy policy.

Brent Stahl, Stahl, Bernal & Davies, LLP - Austin, TX
4:00 pm

0.50 hr

Offshore Wind Project Case Study—Brazil

An in-depth review of development and legal issues involved in the Asa Branca Offshore Wind Farm in Brazil.

Marcello Storrer, Eólica Brasil Ltda - São Paulo, SP, Brazil
4:30 pm

0.75 hr

The Emerging Turkish Market for Renewables

An overview of the Turkish renewable energy market from a regulatory perspective and related foreign investment issues.

Ceren Su, Pekin & Pekin - Istanbul, Turkey
5:15 pm

0.00 hr ethics

Adjourn
Track B: Nuts and Bolts of Renewable Energy Track
Presiding Officer:
Roderick E. Wetsel, Wetsel & Carmichael, LLP - Sweetwater, TX
1:00 pm

0.75 hr

Coexistence—It's Not Just for Bumper Stickers Anymore: Renewable and Conventional Energy Development Surface Use Issues

A look at the interaction between solar development and mineral exploration, the factual and legal bases necessary to analyze the parties' respective rights and possible resolutions to surface usage conflicts--from non-interference agreements to qualified subdivisions. After an initial focus on Texas, the panel discusses other state policies and activities, including the practical aspects of developing a renewable energy project on federal fee or split-estate lands.

Moderator:
Gregory S. Friend, Stahl, Bernal & Davies, L.L.P. - Austin, TX
Panelists:
Ray Brady, Bureau of Land Management, United States Department of the Interior - Washington, DC
Panelists:
Mark K. Leaverton, Rash Chapman Schreiber Leaverton & Morrison LLP - Austin, TX
Panelists:
Randy Sowell, Attorney at Law - McCamey, TX
1:45 pm

0.50 hr

Overview of Texas Renewable Energy Tax Risks, Structures, and Incentives

Analysis of state tax considerations and incentives for renewable energy projects, focusing on Texas and its local taxing jurisdictions.

Renn G. Neilson, Baker Botts - Houston, TX
2:15 pm

0.75 hr

Power Purchase Agreements

A discussion of the market for utility and non-utility PPAs, the current term of PPAs and how the term impacts financing and project economics, the effect of natural gas on the market and policy considerations.

Richard Gruber, Lincoln Renewable Energy, LLC - Austin, TX
Ann A. Hawkins, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates - Houston, TX
Walter Hornaday, Cielo Wind Services, Inc. - Austin, TX
3:00 pm

0.50 hr

The New ALTA Energy Project Title Insurance Endorsements

A review of the recently adopted American Land Title Association endorsements that are specifically tailored for renewable energy projects and the coverages they provide in the context of wind and solar developments.

G. Timothy Hardin, Fidelity National Title Insurance Company - Dallas, TX
3:30 pm

0.00 hr ethics

Break
3:45 pm

0.75 hr

New Revisions to FTC Green Guides

On October 1, 2012, the Federal Trade Commission issued new revisions to its Green Guides that are designed to help marketers ensure that their environmental marketing claims are truthful and nondeceptive. An overview of these updates, including new sections on the use of carbon offsets, "green" certifications and seals and renewable energy and renewable materials claims, with an explanation of how the guides reflect consumer and industry input.

Karl R. Rábago, Rábago Energy LLC - Austin, TX
4:30 pm

0.75 hr

Severance of Wind Rights and Current Leasing Issues

A review of severance of wind rights in Texas and other states and perspectives on current issues regarding wind leases.

Moderator:
Roderick E. Wetsel, Wetsel & Carmichael, LLP - Sweetwater, TX
Panelists:
Steven K. DeWolf, Wind Tex Energy - Dallas, TX
Panelists:
Becky H. Diffen, Vinson & Elkins LLP - Austin, TX
5:15 pm

0.00 hr ethics

Adjourn

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Tuesday Morning, Jan. 29, 2013
Presiding Officer:
Lisa Chavarria, Stahl, Bernal & Davies, LLP - Austin, TX
7:30 am

Registration Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
8:20 am

Welcoming Remarks and Introduction of Keynote Speaker
KEYNOTE BREAKFAST PRESENTATION
8:30 am

0.75 hr

Solar Development on Arizona State Trust Land

Commissioner Hickman discusses the leasing provisions developed by the Arizona State Land Department to attract solar projects to Arizona’s 9.3 million acres of State Trust land and explains how the Department has developed a mapping system to help identify and prioritize suitable property for solar development. An incentive for some solar developers is knowing that money earned by the Trust helps to fund Arizona’s public schools and universities. In addition to three utility scale solar projects already sited on State Trust land, two dozen applications for additional projects are pending.

Vanessa Hickman, Arizona State Land Department - Phoenix, AZ
9:15 am

1.00 hr

Natural Gas—Friend or Foe of Renewable Generation?

The price of natural gas drives many of the decisions affecting future investment in the renewable energy sector, particularly for ERCOT. Public attention has recently focused on the rise of shale gas and other unconventional gas development in the United States. Is this new source of supply the solution to long-term energy needs? Would a long-term glut of natural gas suppress the price of both gas and electricity? The supply side of this issue is addressed, examining how much of these new reserves can be added and at what cost. Also, how are the independent power producers thinking about unconventional gas in terms of future investment in combined cycle plants?

Moderator:
M. Bradford Moody, Watt Beckworth Thompson Henneman & Sullivan LLP - Houston, TX
Panelists:
Arthur E. Berman, Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc. - Sugar Land, TX
Panelists:
Deborah Rogers, Energy Policy Forum - Fort Worth, TX
Panelists:
Richard J. Snyder, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. - Houston, TX
10:15 am

Break
10:30 am

1.50 hrs

The Cost of Energy

A comprehensive look at the wholesale cost of energy, taking into account both direct and indirect costs for different generation resources. Fuel price volatility, water use, pollution costs, siting requirements and national security implications, as well as comparative benefits like tax incentives and energy density, are examined.

Moderator:
Vanessa C. Kellogg, EDP Renewables North America LLC - Houston, TX
Panelists:
Bill Barnes, Goldman Sachs - New York, NY
Panelists:
Steve Corneli, NRG Energy, Inc - Princeton, NJ
Panelists:
Matt Langley, Infinity Wind Power - Santa Barbara, CA
Panelists:
Varun Rai, The LBJ School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin - Austin, TX
12:00 pm

Pick Up Lunch

Included in conference registration.
Tuesday Afternoon, Jan. 29, 2013
Presiding Officer:
Karen E. Jones, SunPower Corporation - Portland, OR
KEYNOTE LUNCHEON PRESENTATION
12:15 pm

0.75 hr

Building a Clean Energy Economy in America

Under Governor Ritter’s leadership, Colorado became a national and international leader in clean energy by creating a New Energy Economy and tripling the state's renewable energy portfolio, balancing energy production with protection of air, land, water, wildlife and communities.

Bill Ritter, Colorado State University - Fort Collins, CO
1:00 pm

Break
1:15 pm

0.50 hr

2013 Policy Outlook for Wind and Solar in Texas

Solar and wind are in different stages of market development in Texas. A look at the new opportunities spawning solar investment and the policy challenges the solar industry faces, as well as the next steps for the more "mature" wind market in Texas.

Carrie Cullen Hitt, Solar Energy Industries Association - Washington, DC
Susan Williams Sloan, American Wind Energy Association - Austin, TX
1:45 pm

0.75 hr

Legislative and Regulatory Update

A look at the impact of past and upcoming state and federal legislation, as well as developments at FERC, the Texas PUC, ERCOT and other relevant regulatory agencies.

Moderator:
Diana M. Liebmann, Haynes and Boone, LLP - San Antonio, TX
Panelists:
Michael A. Andrews, King & Spalding - Washington, DC
Panelists:
Adam Wenner, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP - Washington, DC
2:30 pm

1.00 hr

How Green is your Cloud? Voluntary Markets

A look at the voluntary use of renewable energy from the customer and seller perspectives and the future of the voluntary market in a post-PTC environment. Companies like Baronyx, Google, Apple, Dell, Lego, Facebook and Ikea purchase wind and solar energy to run data centers and manufacturing facilities or generate their own renewable-source electricity as nontraditional power plant owners. Companies like Green Mountain are providing products to the deregulated Texas retail consumer market. Learn about the new opportunities as well as legal and regulatory issues that suppliers and customers must address.

Moderator:
Karl R. Rábago, Rábago Energy LLC - Austin, TX
Panelists:
Sarah Gibson, Dell Inc. - Round Rock, TX
Panelists:
Meigs Jones, Green Mountain Energy - Austin, TX
3:30 pm

Break
3:45 pm

0.75 hr

The Role of the U.S. Army in the Future of Renewables

Historically the military has played an important role in funding technology innovations that support the military’s purpose. The Department of Defense has an internal goal of generating 25 percent of all energy from renewable sources by 2025, and currently is a large player in this market. Given the number of military bases in Texas, this is important for the continued growth of renewables in Texas. A look at how the U.S. Army is using and innovating renewable energy and the importance of these efforts for national security.

John Lushetsky, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installation Energy & Environment, U.S. Army - Washington, DC
4:30 pm

0.75 hr

The Resource Adequacy Puzzle: How Do Renewables and Storage Fit?

The Texas PUC and ERCOT are designing and implementing major market design changes intended to provide long-term resource adequacy. How will energy storage and renewable generation technologies fit into the new market design? Will some technologies fare better than others? Will the resulting market impacts of the rule changes help or hurt further development of renewable generation facilities in Texas?

Mark Bruce, Stratus Energy Group, LLC - Austin, TX
5:15 pm

Adjourn to Reception

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Wednesday Morning, Jan. 30, 2013
Presiding Officer:
Richard Gruber, Lincoln Renewable Energy, LLC - Austin, TX
7:45 am

Conference Room Opens

Includes continental breakfast.
8:20 am

0.00 hr ethics

Introduction of FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff

Rolando B. Pablos, Commissioner, Public Utility Commission of Texas - San Antonio, TX
KEYNOTE BREAKFAST PRESENTATION

Sponsored by Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
8:30 am

0.75 hr

A Day in the Life of the Grid

Jon Wellinghoff, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - Washington, DC
9:15 am

0.75 hr

Storage Policy in Texas: Comparison with California

A review of renewable energy storage policies and regulations in Texas, whether storage could serve as a designated transmission resource within the Texas market, and what lessons may be learned from California’s experience.

Moderator:
William H. Holmes, Stoel Rives LLP - Portland, OR
Panelists:
Tim Hennessy, Portland, OR
Panelists:
Suzi Ray McClellan, Good Company Associates - Austin, TX
10:00 am

Break
10:15 am

0.75 hr

A Tale of Three Storage Facilities

A look at PowerSouth's McIntosh Power Plant—the first commercial compressed air energy storage (CAES) plant in the United States, an isothermal CAES demonstration plant in west Texas developed by General Compression and ConocoPhillips, and the Duke Energy Notrees Windpower Project—the first wind and battery project in Texas.

Moderator:
Alissa Oppenheimer, Chamisa Energy, LLC - Santa Fe, NM
Panelists:
Lee Davis, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative - Mc Intosh, AL
Panelists:
Jeffrey S. Gates, Duke Energy - Charlotte, NC
Panelists:
David R. Marcus, General Compression - Newton, MA
11:00 am

0.75 hr

Utility Roundtable

The energy buyer’s perspective on the current market for renewables, how utilities are planning for future supply and demand and what is needed to ensure a reliable and affordable energy supply.

Moderator:
John Moore, Stratus Energy Group, LLC - Austin, TX
Panelists:
Cheryl L. Mele, Austin Energy - Austin, TX
Panelists:
Rocky Miracle, El Paso Electric - El Paso, TX
Panelists:
Rebecca S. Motal, Lower Colorado River Authority - Austin, TX
Panelists:
Mark W. Schwirtz, Golden Spread Electric Cooperative - Amarillo, TX
11:45 am

Pick up Lunch

Included in conference registration.
Wednesday Afternoon, Jan. 30, 2013
Presiding Officer:
Andrew Dickson, Duke Energy Renewables - Austin, TX
KEYNOTE LUNCHEON PRESENTATION

Sponsored by Duke Energy Renewables
12:05 pm

0.75 hr

What Can Texas Teach the Country (and the World) About Successful Energy Policy?

Declan Flanagan, Lincoln Renewable Energy, LLC - Chicago, IL
12:50 pm

Break
1:00 pm

0.50 hr

Selected Case Law Developments

A review of recent court decisions of interest in Texas and elsewhere involving renewable energy.

Steven Baron, Consulting and Legal Services - Austin, TX
1:30 pm

0.75 hr

New Ways to Finance Renewables and Infrastructure

A look at industry plans, recent regulatory decisions and possible federal legislative changes to tax law to make Master Limited Partnership (MLP) and/or Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) financing that is commonly used for oil and gas, transmission and commercial real estate industries more available to wind, solar and transmission assets.

Moderator:
Timothy Kemper, CohnReznick LLP - Atlanta, GA
Panelists:
J. Jolly Hayden, InfraREIT Capital Partners, LLC - Austin, TX
Panelists:
E. Ramey Layne, Vinson & Elkins LLP - Houston, TX
2:15 pm

0.50 hr

Update on ERCOT Interconnection Rules

With the possible expiration of the PTC in 2012 and the rush of renewable projects with in-service dates by the end of the year, recent ERCOT protocol changes were put to the test. ERCOT’s very thorough Resource Assets Registration has highlighted the importance of understanding and meeting the more rigorous grid and design requirements to comply with all reactive, voltage, primary frequency response as well as other existing requirements. A pragmatic look at the main grid protocols and design criteria that every developer must be aware of, as well as examples of real project design flaws and how those were mitigated.

Hala N. Ballouz, Electric Power Engineers, Inc. - Waco, TX
Hugo Mena, Electric Power Engineers, Inc. - Bee Cave, TX
2:45 pm

Break
3:00 pm

0.50 hr

Electric Regulatory Developments Involving Distributed Renewable Generation in Texas

With its abundant wind and solar resources, Texas is well-suited to development of distributed renewable generation (DRG). The electric regulatory structures, requirements and programs that influence DRG development are unique to the state, differ from one part of the state to another, and have been evolving as the Texas Legislature, the Texas PUC and ERCOT, among others, address DRG issues. A discussion of Texas electric regulation applicable to DRG in ERCOT and non-ERCOT regions in Texas, including current law and policy, recent developments and matters remaining to be resolved.

Elizabeth Drews, Brown McCarroll, L.L.P. - Austin, TX
3:30 pm

0.50 hr

Arizona State Trust Land Solar Ground Lease Drafting Issues

A look at Arizona statutory provisions and administrative rules which create unique issues regarding the structuring and drafting of solar generating facility ground leases on Arizona State Trust Land.

Helen Shapiro, Office of the Arizona State Attorney General - Phoenix, AZ
4:00 pm

1.00 hr ethics

Ethics for Energy Lawyers

Using hypotheticals, a discussion of legal ethics issues important to the renewable energy sector.

Jeff Civins, Haynes and Boone, LLP - Austin, TX
Mary S. Mendoza, Haynes and Boone, LLP - Austin, TX
5:00 pm

Adjourn

Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

Michael A. Andrews

King & Spalding
Washington, DC

Hala N. Ballouz

Electric Power Engineers, Inc.
Waco, TX

Dino T. Barajas

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
Los Angeles, CA

Bill Barnes

Goldman Sachs
New York, NY

Steven Baron

Consulting and Legal Services
Austin, TX

Arthur E. Berman

Labyrinth Consulting Services, Inc.
Sugar Land, TX

Ray Brady

Bureau of Land Management, United States Department of the Interior
Washington, DC

Lance T. Brasher

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates
Washington, DC

Mark Bruce

Stratus Energy Group, LLC
Austin, TX

Jeff Civins

Haynes and Boone, LLP
Austin, TX

Steve Corneli

NRG Energy, Inc
Princeton, NJ

Lee Davis

PowerSouth Energy Cooperative
Mc Intosh, AL

Steven K. DeWolf

Wind Tex Energy
Dallas, TX

Becky H. Diffen

Vinson & Elkins LLP
Austin, TX

Elizabeth Drews

Brown McCarroll, L.L.P.
Austin, TX

Declan Flanagan

Lincoln Renewable Energy, LLC
Chicago, IL

Gregory S. Friend

Stahl, Bernal & Davies, L.L.P.
Austin, TX

Jeffrey S. Gates

Duke Energy
Charlotte, NC

Sarah Gibson

Dell Inc.
Round Rock, TX

Richard Gruber

Lincoln Renewable Energy, LLC
Austin, TX

David Halligan

Goldwind USA, Inc.
Chicago, IL

G. Timothy Hardin

Fidelity National Title Insurance Company
Dallas, TX

Ann A. Hawkins

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates
Houston, TX

J. Jolly Hayden

InfraREIT Capital Partners, LLC
Austin, TX

Tim Hennessy

Portland, OR

Vanessa Hickman

Arizona State Land Department
Phoenix, AZ

Carrie Cullen Hitt

Solar Energy Industries Association
Washington, DC

William H. Holmes

Stoel Rives LLP
Portland, OR

Walter Hornaday

Cielo Wind Services, Inc.
Austin, TX

Meigs Jones

Green Mountain Energy
Austin, TX

Vanessa C. Kellogg

EDP Renewables North America LLC
Houston, TX

Timothy Kemper

CohnReznick LLP
Atlanta, GA

Matt Langley

Infinity Wind Power
Santa Barbara, CA

E. Ramey Layne

Vinson & Elkins LLP
Houston, TX

Mark K. Leaverton

Rash Chapman Schreiber Leaverton & Morrison LLP
Austin, TX

Diana M. Liebmann

Haynes and Boone, LLP
San Antonio, TX

John Lushetsky

Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installation Energy & Environment, U.S. Army
Washington, DC

David R. Marcus

General Compression
Newton, MA

Suzi Ray McClellan

Good Company Associates
Austin, TX

Cheryl L. Mele

Austin Energy
Austin, TX

Hugo Mena

Electric Power Engineers, Inc.
Bee Cave, TX

Mary S. Mendoza

Haynes and Boone, LLP
Austin, TX

Rocky Miracle

El Paso Electric
El Paso, TX

M. Bradford Moody

Watt Beckworth Thompson Henneman & Sullivan LLP
Houston, TX

John Moore

Stratus Energy Group, LLC
Austin, TX

Rebecca S. Motal

Lower Colorado River Authority
Austin, TX

Renn G. Neilson

Baker Botts
Houston, TX

Craig S. O'Connor

Export-Import Bank of the United States
Washington, DC

Ivan Oliveros

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
New York, NY

Alissa Oppenheimer

Chamisa Energy, LLC
Santa Fe, NM

Rolando B. Pablos

Commissioner, Public Utility Commission of Texas
San Antonio, TX

Stan Popów

Finacorp
02-765 Warszawa, Poland

Karl R. Rábago

Rábago Energy LLC
Austin, TX

Varun Rai

The LBJ School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX

Bill Ritter

Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO

Deborah Rogers

Energy Policy Forum
Fort Worth, TX

Mark W. Schwirtz

Golden Spread Electric Cooperative
Amarillo, TX

Helen Shapiro

Office of the Arizona State Attorney General
Phoenix, AZ

Susan Williams Sloan

American Wind Energy Association
Austin, TX

Richard J. Snyder

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
Houston, TX

Randy Sowell

Attorney at Law
McCamey, TX

Brent Stahl

Stahl, Bernal & Davies, LLP
Austin, TX

Marcello Storrer

Eólica Brasil Ltda
São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Ceren Su

Pekin & Pekin
Istanbul, Turkey

Soll Sussman

U.S.-Mexico Border Energy Forum
Austin, TX

Jon Wellinghoff

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Washington, DC

Adam Wenner

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Washington, DC

Roderick E. Wetsel

Wetsel & Carmichael, LLP
Sweetwater, TX

Michael Whalen

SolarReserve
Santa Monica, CA

Planning Committee

Lisa Chavarria—Co-Chair

Stahl, Bernal & Davies, LLP
Austin, TX

Richard Gruber—Co-Chair

Lincoln Renewable Energy, LLC
Austin, TX

David E. Adelman

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Richard Amato

Venti Energy, Inc.
Austin, TX

Steven Baron

Consulting and Legal Services
Austin, TX

Henriette A Boom

Electric Power Engineers, Inc.
Austin, TX

Andy Bowman

Pioneer Green Energy, LLC
Austin, TX

Mark Bruce

Stratus Energy Group, LLC
Austin, TX

Jeff Clark

The Wind Coalition
Austin, TX

Becky H. Diffen

Vinson & Elkins LLP
Austin, TX

Elizabeth Drews

Brown McCarroll, L.L.P.
Austin, TX

Zeina El-Azzi

Velocity Power Partners
Austin, TX

Todd Filsinger

Filsinger Energy Partners
Denver, CO

Audrey Fogarty

Austin, TX

Gregory S. Friend

Stahl, Bernal & Davies, L.L.P.
Austin, TX

Michael G. Grable

Lone Star Transmission, LLC
Austin, TX

Ann A. Hawkins

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates
Houston, TX

William H. Holmes

Stoel Rives LLP
Portland, OR

Monty Humble

Brightman Energy LLC
Austin, TX

Timothy Kemper

CohnReznick LLP
Atlanta, GA

James M. Klempir

Nordex USA, Inc.
Chicago, IL

Stephen Krebs

OwnEnergy
Houston, TX

Tim N. Libson

Trintek Energy Consulting, Inc.
Austin, TX

Diana M. Liebmann

Haynes and Boone, LLP
San Antonio, TX

Bonnie McMurtry

Andrews Kurth LLP
Houston, TX

M. Bradford Moody

Watt Beckworth Thompson Henneman & Sullivan LLP
Houston, TX

Brett A. Perlman

Vector Advisors
Houston, TX

Karl R. Rábago

Rábago Energy LLC
Austin, TX

Shalini Ramanathan

RES Americas Inc.
Austin, TX

Susan Williams Sloan

American Wind Energy Association
Austin, TX

Randy Sowell

Attorney at Law
McCamey, TX

David B. Spence

University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX

Brent Stahl

Stahl, Bernal & Davies, LLP
Austin, TX

Cyrus Tashakkori

Pioneer Green Energy, LLC
Austin, TX

Melinda E. Taylor

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Adam Wenner

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Washington, DC

Roderick E. Wetsel

Wetsel & Carmichael, LLP
Sweetwater, TX

Credit Info

Austin

MCLE Credit

Texas – 19.25 hrs | 1.00 hrs Ethics
Legal Specialization(s): Administrative Law, Oil, Gas and Mineral Law, Real Estate Law

You may claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the State Bar of Texas. A Certificate of Attendance will be provided in Your Briefcase for your records. The system reports Texas CLE credit every Tuesday. If you are claiming credit in the last week of your birth month, self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com, using the course number provided on your certificate of attendance.

California – 19.25 hrs | 1.00 hrs Ethics

You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE is required to provide the State Bar with electronic attendance records for any MCLE participatory activity within 60 days of completion of the activity. The California licensee is responsible for reporting their compliance/credit hours earned to the State Bar at the end of their reporting period directly to the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

Oklahoma – 23.00 hrs | 1.00 hrs Ethics

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, then you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Oklahoma Bar Association within 30 days after the conference.

Other Credit

Certified Professional Landman (AAPL) – 19.25 hrs | 1.00 hrs Ethics

Following the conference, UT CLE will send, to attendees who have claimed AAPL credit in their briefcase, by email the AAPL Affidavit of Attendance with the AAPL course number and reporting information included.
http://www.landman.org

Registered Landman (AAPL) – 19.25 hrs | 1.00 hrs Ethics

Following the conference, UT CLE will send attendees a certificate of attendance with the AAPL course number and reporting information included.
http://www.landman.org

Registered Professional Landman (AAPL) – 19.25 hrs | 1.00 hrs Ethics

Following the conference, UT CLE will send attendees a certificate of attendance with the AAPL course number and reporting information included.
http://www.landman.org

TX Accounting CPE – 23.00 hrs

The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #250) live conferences are presumptively approved by The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for Texas Accounting CPE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Approved for general CPE credit only.

At the conference, you are welcome to sign in on the Accounting CPE Record of Attendance form at the registration desk, but we are now reporting all credit online. You will receive a Texas Accounting Certificate of Completion in Your Briefcase. Self-report your CPE credit directly to TSBPA. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

TX Professional Engineer – 0.00 hr

This course may qualify for self-reporting credits with PELS (TX Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors) - please use the link below to find information on how to track your credit with PELS. When you select this credit type, you will receive a downloadable Certificate of Attendance with date and course information for your records.

https://pels.texas.gov/pecep.htm

TX Real Estate Commission (TREC) – 9.00 hrs

To request continuing education elective credit for real estate related courses approved by the State Bar of Texas for minimum continuing legal education participatory credit, a license holder is required to file an Individual Credit Request for State Bar Course.

https://www.trec.texas.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-forms/CE_CLE-1%2004.10.23.pdf
Use this link to obtain the TREC MCE form for self-reporting your TREC credit. To obtain your Certificate of Attendance you will need to claim credit in your UTCLE account and once claimed you will be able to download a Certificate of Attendance to include with your credit request form.

Key Dates

Austin – Jan 28*, 29-30, 2013 – AT&T Conference Center

*optional Mon Afternoon session

Conference Concluded

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Austin

Standard Registration
Last day for $520.00 Regular pricing: Jan 25, 2013

$570.00 for registrations received after this time

Green Registration - USB Key ONLY
Last day for $520.00 Regular pricing: Jan 25, 2013

$570.00 for registrations received after this time

Last day for cancellation (full refund): Jan 18, 2013

$50 processing fee applied after this date

Last day for cancellation: Jan 23, 2013

Venue

AT&T Conference Center

The University of Texas at Austin
1900 University Avenue
Austin, TX
877.744.8822 (reservations)
Map

Accommodations

$0.00 good through Jan 18, 2013

Parking Information

Free daily self-parking at UT garages. Separate fees apply for valet and overnight parking.

Our Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors! Click each logo below to learn more.

Duke Energy Corporation

Duke Energy Renewables is a leader in developing innovative wind and solar energy solutions for customers throughout the United States. The company's wind and solar farms help utilities, electric cooperatives and municipalities deliver affordable, reliable and clean energy to their customers. By the end of 2012, Duke Energy Renewables will own over 1,700 MW of operating wind and solar projects, enough to power over half-million homes. www.duke-energy.com/renewables
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

Since our beginning in San Francisco in 1863, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP has dedicated itself to two interdependent goals—serving our clients and building an enduring institution. Today, we have more than 1,100 lawyers in 25 offices worldwide working together to pursue these objectives. Orrick's energy practice comprises nearly 100 lawyers located across the United States, Europe, Africa and Asia, representing energy clients under U.S., English, European Union, French, German, Hong Kong, Italian, Japanese and Russian law. We are particularly noted for our leading practices in energy project development and finance, governmental energy funding, public private partnerships, and venture capital and emerging company representation in the clean tech and renewable energy sectors worldwide. Orrick represents as broad a group of energy industry leaders as any law firm in the world. www.orrick.com
Stahl, Bernal & Davies, Llp

For over a decade, Stahl, Bernal & Davies, LLP has been serving clients in the wind and renewable energy industry. Our renewable project background includes assisting wind energy companies in all aspects of the development, finance, acquisition and sale of wind energy projects in Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Indiana, Oregon, Colorado, North Carolina and Kansas totaling over 3,800 MW. The firm is also experienced in representing clients in the development and finance of solar, geothermal and energy storage projects in Texas and Arizona. Our lawyers are highly experienced in the preparation of wind, solar and geothermal energy leases and easement agreements, option and purchase agreements, crossing agreements, access, transmission, collection system and non-obstruction easements. We analyze and resolve the myriad of legal, title and survey issues arising in the development of energy projects and help clients plan for future challenges to their operations. We work closely and collaboratively with counsel for project lenders and tax equity investors in coordinating the range of real estate instruments, governmental approvals, surveys, title policies, and legal opinion letters necessary to close deals. In addition to our transactional work we also provide counsel to wind and other generators regarding the regulatory framework of the Texas Public Utility Commission, Texas tax issues, and permitting issues (i.e. environmental, conditional use, etc.) involved in the construction and development of wind farms and other renewable energy projects. www.sbaustinlaw.com
Baker Botts L. L. P.

Baker Botts is a globally respected law firm with offices around the world. Since 1840, we have provided the highest ethical and professional standards combined with our reach and depth of understanding of the law to help us deliver better and more innovative solutions for our clients. Our in-depth knowledge of the energy business, deep experience in development of sophisticated energy projects, and considerable experience with wind, biomass and solar projects combine to create a team of lawyers capable of guiding clients through the political, economic and legal risks associated with developing alternative energy technologies into viable commercial projects. Deeper Understanding. Better Solutions. www.bakerbotts.com
Brown McCarroll

Brown McCarroll, L.L.P. was founded in 1938 and is a multi-disciplinary law firm with offices located in Austin, Dallas and Houston. Brown McCarroll has hands-on experience in all types and stages of renewable and clean energy development. This includes energy efficiency innovations in power generation (biomass, wind, solar, geothermal and coal-derived clean fuels), and practical applications involving air emissions compliance and interconnection to the electric power grid. Our broad industry experience reflects the regulatory, tax and economic knowledge to help make clean and renewable energy projects a reality throughout Texas, and to play leading roles in shaping the ongoing evolution of regulatory policy in this vital area. www.brownmccarroll.com
Haynes and Boone, LLP

Haynes and Boone, LLP is an international corporate law firm with offices in Texas, New York, California, Washington, D.C., Mexico City and Moscow, providing a full spectrum of legal services. With more than 525 attorneys, Haynes and Boone is ranked among the largest law firms in the nation by The National Law Journal and has been named a "Top Corporate Law Firm in America" (Corporate Board Member Magazine, 2001-2012). www.haynesboone.com
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates has one of the world's leading practices focused on project finance and development transactions. Skadden has extensive experience in the renewable energy sector, including advising on the development, acquisition and financing of domestic and international wind, solar, geothermal and biomass projects. We also advise clients on investments in solar energy technologies and intellectual property matters. In 2011, Skadden's Energy and Infrastructure Projects Group closed over $10 billion in solar transactions and received the Chambers Award for Excellence for "Projects: Power (including Renewables) Team of the Year." www.skadden.com
Vinson & Elkins LLP

Recognized as the "World's Leading Energy Law Firm," by Euromoney (2012), Vinson & Elkins assists clients involved in all facets of the energy and natural resources industry. V&E's lawyers offer smart legal counsel and top-tier service to corporate clients. With 16 offices across the globe, V&E's resources mobilize rapidly and efficiently to provide strategic counsel on complex transactional, regulatory and dispute resolution matters. www.velaw.com
Stahl, Bernal & Davies, Llp

Stahl, Bernal & Davies, LLP has been serving clients in the wind industry since 2000. We have assisted clients in the development, finance, acquisition and sale of wind energy projects in multiple states totaling over 3,000 MW. Our lawyers are highly experienced in the preparation of wind energy leases, option agreements, and access, transmission, collection system, and non-obstruction easements. We analyze and resolve the myriad of legal, title and survey issues arising in the development of wind energy projects and help clients plan for future challenges to their operations. We work closely and collaboratively with counsel for project lenders and tax equity investors in coordinating the range of real estate instruments, governmental approvals, surveys, title policies, and legal opinion letters necessary to close deals. www.sbaustinlaw.com www.sbaustinlaw.com/

2013

Renewable Energy Institute

Austin Jan 28*, 29-30, 2013 AT&T Conference Center *optional Mon Afternoon session Conference Concluded

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Related products: Materials

Overview

Event Schedule

Monday Afternoon, Jan. 28, 2013

Tuesday Morning, Jan. 29, 2013

Tuesday Afternoon, Jan. 29, 2013

Wednesday Morning, Jan. 30, 2013

Wednesday Afternoon, Jan. 30, 2013

Conference Faculty

Michael A. Andrews

Hala N. Ballouz

Dino T. Barajas

Bill Barnes

Steven Baron

Arthur E. Berman

Ray Brady

Lance T. Brasher

Mark Bruce

Jeff Civins

Steve Corneli

Lee Davis

Steven K. DeWolf

Becky H. Diffen

Elizabeth Drews

Declan Flanagan

Gregory S. Friend

Jeffrey S. Gates

Sarah Gibson

Richard Gruber

David Halligan

G. Timothy Hardin

Ann A. Hawkins

J. Jolly Hayden

Tim Hennessy

Vanessa Hickman

Carrie Cullen Hitt

William H. Holmes

Walter Hornaday

Meigs Jones

Vanessa C. Kellogg

Timothy Kemper

Matt Langley

E. Ramey Layne

Mark K. Leaverton

Diana M. Liebmann

John Lushetsky

David R. Marcus

Suzi Ray McClellan

Cheryl L. Mele

Hugo Mena

Mary S. Mendoza

Rocky Miracle

M. Bradford Moody

John Moore

Rebecca S. Motal

Renn G. Neilson

Craig S. O'Connor

Ivan Oliveros

Alissa Oppenheimer

Rolando B. Pablos

Stan Popów

Karl R. Rábago

Varun Rai

Bill Ritter

Deborah Rogers

Mark W. Schwirtz

Helen Shapiro

Susan Williams Sloan

Richard J. Snyder

Randy Sowell

Brent Stahl

Marcello Storrer

Ceren Su

Soll Sussman

Jon Wellinghoff

Adam Wenner

Austin Jan 28, 29-30, 2013 AT&T Conference Center
optional Mon Afternoon session
Conference Concluded