Wind Energy Law & Policy

Wind is a major source of renewable electricity in use around the world.  This course will focus on legal and policy factors that arise with this technology, using case studies, legal materials, scientific data, and other sources from the U.S. and Europe.  First, this course will explore what steps governments have taken or have considered using to promote the development of this energy supply – particularly with respect to offshore wind development – and what factors including navigational risks, site assessments, zoning considerations, public buy-in, and the results of certain reports prove most influential in assisting governments in arriving at their ultimate determinations.  Second, this course will examine issues that arise in addressing climate change, extreme weather impacts, and lessons learned from scientific and business perspectives that can be incorporated into government policies and regulations with respect to the promotion and development of future wind farm sites, both onshore and offshore.  Finally, this course will address case law, regulatory strategies, and other precedents such as legal set-back limits and policy considerations that need to be balanced with respect to governments recognizing and protecting wind rights while  encouraging and promoting wind farm development.

Open to lawyers, judges, interested professionals, and select students from around the world July 14-18, 2014. Registration for this course is now closed.

Instructor: Kimberly E. Diamond (6:00-9:00 pm at the Fred French Building in Manhattan)

*This course has not yet been approved by New York State for law school credit.