We guide clients through regulatory, permitting, environmental, land use and governmental affairs issues associated with wind, solar, hydroelectric, oil, natural gas, pipeline, transmission and other utility projects. Our strong Midwest regional platform and cross-disciplinary approach provide clients with the depth and breadth of services needed to gain approvals for large energy projects.
SERVICES
Our team utilizes a cross-disciplinary approach to manage the complex regulatory environments facing clients who desire to build and operate energy infrastructure:
Project Development
We regularly perform the lead counsel role on large energy-infrastructure projects, including high voltage transmission lines; refined products, natural gas liquids and crude oil pipelines; and traditional and renewable generation facilities.
Regulatory
We represent independent power producers, electric utilities, independent transmission companies, telecommunications companies, and inter- and intrastate pipelines owners and shippers in local, state and federal proceedings, including rulemaking, certificate of need, site permit, route permit, electric franchise, certificate of site compatibility and prudency review proceedings. We regularly appear before state public utility and regulatory commissions throughout the Upper Midwest.
Permitting
We assist clients in obtaining federal, state and local permits and approvals. We have extensive experience in obtaining environmental permits, including wetland permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, state and local agencies; negotiating Bird and Bat Conservation Strategies, Eagle Conservation Plans, Habitat Conservation Plans, Conference Opinions, and Biological Opinions with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; obtaining licenses to cross and special use permits from state wildlife agencies and securing storm water permits from state agencies. We also regularly help clients identify and obtain local permits and approvals, including variances, conditional use permits, and development and road agreements.
Land Acquisition and Eminent Domain
Fredrikson regularly leads complex land rights and land use matters involving energy infrastructure projects. Our work in this area includes assisting with title review, easement acquisition and condemnation of rights-of-way for wind and solar facilities, high voltage transmission lines and natural gas and oil pipeline projects, property tax appeals, franchise issues, special assessment appeals, and zoning and land use disputes.
We serve as Land Rights Counsel for major linear right-of-way projects, both pipelines and transmission lines, where we work closely with our clients to ensure that right-of-way is acquired in a timely and efficient matter. We understand the process and relevant law, have close relationships with appraisers and other experts, and have experienced trial lawyers who take a practical approach to valuation issues. We understand how we fit into the larger project from a schedule and budget perspective.
MISO/FERC
We advise public utilities, independent power producers and renewable energy companies on all aspects of regulatory compliance, how generators connect to the grid, how costs are allocated, and related transmission and interconnection service issues.
Governmental Relations
Our relationships with Upper Midwest legislators, executive branch and key energy agencies are deep. Large energy projects often require implementing comprehensive political strategies, and our strong relationships and political experience help clients avoid political minefields and move their projects forward.
Litigation
We have extensive experience in state and federal courts. For example, we represent clients in appeals from administrative cases, real estate litigation, utility right-of-way disputes and construction litigation.
