[…] and effective communication, we can remain nimble and resilient, adapting to new regulations and continuing to drive innovation in a complex and ever-changing regulatory landscape. What the Administration’s 2025 Energy Orders Mean for Project Developers, Agencies, and Environmental Partners In a shift from previous climate-focused policies, the administration issued a series of executive orders in […]
When designing a battery energy storage system (BESS) to meet local noise ordinance requirements, developers and engineers must address noise emissions, especially when located in proximity to noise-sensitive areas like residential communities, schools, and medical campuses. Unlike photovoltaic (PV) solar facilities that primarily generate noise from inverters, BESS facilities have multiple noise sources (sometimes three
The operation of wind energy facilities can potentially harm bats, but the true extent of this danger is not fully understood. In some US regions, a significant challenge to developing wind energy is finding ways to lower the number of bats that collide with wind turbines while maintaining high power production levels. When developing or
What is thermal runaway? As more renewable energy projects are developed and come online, there is an increasing need for large-scale energy storage development. A battery energy storage system (BESS) is able to store excess electricity generated by certain renewable energy sources (such as solar and wind) and when needed, quickly inject that electricity back
What are the current ALTA survey requirements? The Minimum Standard Detail Requirements (ALTA Standards) for American Land Title Association (ALTA)/National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS) Land Title Surveys (ALTA survey requirements) were last updated in February of 2021. Often referred to simply as ALTA surveys, these boundary surveys are created according to a set of minimum standards
To address and reverse global effects caused by a rapidly changing climate, various industries have emerged that are leading efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions though alternative energy production. However, sometimes alternative energy projects which are focused on issues global in scale, run into issues protecting sensitive narrow endemic plant species at the local scale
From 2015–2019, total installed solar energy capacity in the United States nearly tripled from 23.44 gigawatts (GW) to 62.3 GW. While this solar energy boom is a positive sign of the country’s transition to green energy, it requires increased understanding of the hazards associated with solar energy project construction. Many contractors must contend with the
Glare from solar panels can potentially impact sensitive receptors, such as aircraft pilots, air traffic controllers, motorists, residents, and recreationists. So, glint/glare analysis is increasingly becoming a required component of solar development applications at the local and federal levels. Additionally, depending on complexity, project components can be difficult for the public and decision-makers to conceptualize
Virginia recently passed the Virginia Clean Economy Act, which includes a renewable portfolio standard that will require all of its utility companies to source 100% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2050. As such, the demand for permitting and constructing renewable energy facilities is now stronger than ever. Successful solar permitting in Virginia requires
Energy storage facilities are often sited near electrical distribution substations in urban and suburban environments to capitalize on the energy demands in these areas. In such locations, noise-sensitive uses may exist nearby, such as residential neighborhoods, hospitals, churches, and schools. Introduction of a noise generation source, such as an energy storage facility, must take existing
