In the March issue of the Rhode Island Bar Journal, Seth writes of the dangers of continuing a “business-as-usual” approach to Rhode Island’s energy system, and the economic opportunities we can grasp by embracing new and transformative technologies and meeting the...
Rhode Island Energy has set record high electric rates for Rhode Island, a 47% increase per household and up to 51% for commercial accounts ('Record-high winter electric rates sought: ‘Something we’ve never seen before,’ ' News, July 21). The Journal reported that...
Helen joined Laura Bartsch and Joe Walsh in this Boston Globe commentary that asks RI's leadership to plan for the mechanics of delivering our own clean energy future instead of leaving it up to others and remaining at the end of the pipe by default.
National Grid has exited Rhode Island with $5.3 billion. The agency review process refused to allow advocacy for the public interest in rate reduction, allowing the utilities to continue capitalizing on their economic interests in infrastructure investment and their...
The three women behind What Cheer Flower Farm tore up a parking lot and planted a field of flowers, which they donate to those in need of good cheer. We are very proud to have helped them make that happen as their counsel. Read all about them in this Eco RI news...
What Cheer Flower Farm was started by three women who tore up a parking lot and planted a field of flowers, which they donate to those in need of good cheer. We are very proud to have helped them make that happen as their counsel. Read all about them in this Eco RI...
Counsel investors, developers, landowners, municipalities and energy customers on solar, wind, hydropower and battery storage projects.
Won approval to net meter renewable energy and storage systems in Rhode Island in PUC dockets 4743 and 4982.
Represented wind energy developer to beat back utility’s proposed access fee based on an unsupported claim that distributed generation projects add cost to the distribution system (RIPUC Doket 4568).
Helped develop and pass Rhode Island’s Municipal Streetlight Investment Act and negotiate resulting tariffs and agreements and support Partnership for RI Streetlight Management and municipalities buying, operating and maintain their streetlights for greater efficiency and reduced cost (RIPUC 4442).
Challenging utility imposed transmission system studies and upgrade charges on local renewable energy projects interconnecting to the distribution system in PUC docket 4981.
Negotiated turbine supply agreement with German supplier for ten wind turbines.
Worked with two utilities to sort out a service territory issue to green light interconnection and development of a proposed 2.3MW ground mount solar system in Burrillville Rhode Island.
Solving environmental challenges
Support energy development project on landfills and contaminated properties.
Lead environmental diligence and negotiations on real estate transactions.
Litigated Coastal Resource Management Council case on proposed residential pier on a shoreline without piers, where residents use moorings.
Sued to recover costs of removing and remediating an underground storage tank that was not disclosed when a large food manufacturing company bought the property.
Managed environmental investigations and remediation and negotiated transfers of manufacturing companies, printing companies, electrical utilities, and related industries.
Resolved the transfer of an air emission permit and negotiated an environmental management agreement for the divestiture of a fiberglass molding plant in a shared manufacturing facility.
Counsel clients on environmental issues raised in association with the proper closure of large, old, heavy-manufacturing plants.
Resolving land use and real estate concerns
Refuted attempt to overextend easement, subdivide and overdevelop farmland protected under comprehensive plan.
Closed sale of sand and gravel mine for forty megawatt solar project
Prevented condemnation of undervalued waterfront office building based on insufficient evidence it was needed for public construction project.
Supported real estate acquisition for innovative kitchen incubator project in Warren, RI, that will help local food producers get their products to market.
Organized nonprofit and helped acquire brownfield property to start urban flower farm.
Dispute resolution
Appealed utility-assessed interconnection tax given federal tax exemption.
Won RI Supreme Court case affirming decision that renewable energy projects are exempt from the tangible tax per state law. Helped draft, supported and passed legislation amending State law to establish standard tangible consistent, foreseeable and equitable tax treatment for renewable energy projects across Rhode Island.
Won public access rights across private roads in Massachusetts Land Court case based on long history of public maintenance and use.
Defended town against claim that net metering compensation exceeded federal wholesale (PURPA) avoided cost rate restrictions (RIDPUC Docket D-10-126).
File dispute resolution petitions to reduce the cost and enhance feasibility of interconnecting renewable energy to the electric distribution system.
Defended preservation organization against a contract claim for alleged tax abatement services at trial in Superior Court.
Arbitrated claims related to negligent construction work that plagued a condominium association.
Brought proceedings before the Rhode Island Division of Public Utilities and Carriers to ensure the reliability of Warwick’s water supply and to protect the City against damages resulting from the relocation of gas lines during its sewer projects.
Filed suit and negotiated settlement of Warwick’s claims for damages from a water main break caused by negligent engineering and drilling in a sewer installation project.
Helped homeowners arbitrate and recover damages caused by a contractor’s negligent painting work and the insurer’s refusal to honor the contractor’s claim.
Refuted attempt to overextend easement, subdivide and overdevelop farmland protected under comprehensive plan.