Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Grants Dietze and Davis Client Soldier Canyon’s Request for Rehearing

Dietze and Davis congratulates our client Soldier Canyon Water Treatment Plant on a favorable decision from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.  FERC has granted Soldier Canyon’s Request for Rehearing and reversed FERC Staff’s prior determination that Soldier Canyon’s proposed facility did not meet the requirements of a small conduit facility under the Federal Power Act (FPA).  This decision clears the way for Soldier Canyon to generate clean, renewable hydropower under a licensing exemption at its pre-existing site, provided there are no public objections during the notice period.  The Commission stated its decision in this case “furthers the purpose of the [Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act].”  A big win for a valued Dietze and Davis client and for hydropower developers in the West! 

 

Dietze and Davis Congratulates its Client Percheron Power on Its Role in a Recent FERC Declaratory Order

DMEA, a Colorado electric cooperative association, sought and received favorable guidance from FERC that it is obligated to purchase power from Percheron Power, a small hydropower generator which qualifies as a “qualifying facility” under the federal PURPA statute.  Percheron Power, represented by Dietze and Davis, intervened in the declaratory order proceeding in support of the decision sought by DMEA.  FERC’s ruling now clears the way for DMEA to negotiate a power purchase agreement with Percheron Power.  FERC’s ruling allows DMEA to negotiate with Percheron despite DMEA’s contract with Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.  This decision  potentially has far-reaching implications and may open up market opportunities for other small renewable generators across the country.  Please see the following publications regarding this:  

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_28377259/federal-ruling-opens-rural-areas-more-renewable-recycled

http://www.hcn.org/articles/a-door-squeaks-open-for-rural-energy-independence

http://richmignogna.blogspot.com

Tucker M. Katz Awarded the 2014-2015 John Marshall Award

Tucker was awarded the 2014-2015 John Marshall Award at the Boulder County Legal Services Pro Bono Luncheon on April 6, 2015.  The John Marshall Award annually recognizes an attorney for his or her dedication, energy, and enthusiasm in undertaking volunteer legal service for the less fortunate of Boulder County.  The award honors the memory of John Robert Marshall, an attorney who served the poor with competence and compassion and an outstanding commitment to pro bono service.

Mark Detsky testifies before Colorado General Assembly for Renewable Energy Bill

Mark Detsky testified on March 4, 2014, before the Colorado House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Energy in support of HB 15-1219.  The bill is intended to help renewable energy developers monetize Enterprise Investment Zone Tax Credits and provide certainty that can affect project pricing to benefit ratepayers.   Mark testified on behalf of our client the Colorado Independent Energy Association.  http://www.ciea-colorado.org/

Dietze and Davis Congratulates Our Client Gravity Renewables On The Acquisition of Stillwater Hydroelectric Project

Dietze and Davis congratulates our client and friends at Gravity Renewables on the successful acquisition of the Stillwater Hydroelectric Project on the Hudson River in New York State.  http://www.gravityrenewables.com/small-hydro-Stillwater  Gravity Renewables is an investor-backed owner, operator, and developer of small hydroelectric power plants across the United States. With skill and acumen Gravity Renewables is bringing renewable power into its sixth generation with sensitivity to the history and recreational opportunities associated with hydropower, as well as a keen appreciation for the societal value of renewable and sustainable resources.  Read more about Gravity Renewables, Inc. at http://www.gravityrenewables.com

Dietze and Davis to Host Boulder County Bar Association Natural Resources/Environmental Law CLE

The Natural Resources and Environmental Law Section of the BCBA will attend an After-Hours CLE and Networking Event at Dietze and Davis on Thursday, February 26.  Jane Gardner, former in-house environmental counsel for General Electric and former assistant to regional counsel for the EPA, will discuss her own experiences with, as well as current topics relating to, environmental liability and management for corporations.  Doors will open at 4:30.  Drinks and snacks will be provided.

Dietze and Davis Named in the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association’s (CCA) 2015 Legal Directory As Experts

Dietze and Davis are listed as a subject matter expert – and valuable resource for members – in the following areas:  Environmental Law, Water Law, Public Lands Law, and Real Estate Law.  It will soon be listed for Employment Law, as well.  http://coloradocattle.org/CMDocs/ColoradoCattlemen/COAG/2015%20CO-AG%20Legal%20Directory.pdf.  We welcome inquiries from members of the CCA! 

Karl Kumli Elected as Member of the Board of Directors of History Colorado

Karl Kumli was elected as a member of the Board of Directors of History Colorado at the November annual meeting of that organization.  History Colorado is the state historical society of Colorado, and has been in existence since 1879.  History Colorado is both a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and an agency of the State of Colorado under the Department of Higher Education, offering public access to cultural and heritage resources of Colorado, including a statewide system of museums which steward Colorado’s historic treasures.  In early December Karl also attended the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Sand Creek Massacre in Denver.  History and archeology are long-time passions for Karl.  He is particularly passionate about the history of the Spanish Borderlands of the United States.  For more information on History Colorado, please see:  http://www.historycolorado.org/about-us/about-us. 

Peter Dietze to Speak at Boulder Conversations with Extraordinary People

We are proud to announce that our founder, Peter Dietze, has been selected as one of Boulder's Extraordinary People.  Peter will speak about his fascinating life on December 10, 2014 at the Museum of Boulder.  Peter fled from East Germany as a teenager, attended the University of Colorado, and has practiced law in Boulder since 1963. He was Boulder's city attorney from 1965-1968 and served as Regent of the University of Colorado for 18 years.  For more information and to purchase tickets, please go to www.boulderhistory.org.