Haroff Comments on Climate Change Legislation in Daily Journal
SHB Partner Kevin Haroff commented on climate change legislation in a September 2, 2009, Daily Journal article. Titled “State AGs Weigh in on Climate Change Bill,” the article discusses the concerns of five state attorneys general over legislation being proposed in the U.S. Senate to adopt a cap-and-trade plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Senate is now taking up the issue following recent passage by the House of Representatives of H.R. 2454 (The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009), which includes its own version of a cap-and-trade plan.
Among the concerns expressed by the attorneys general is the need for strong regulation of carbon credit and derivatives markets that may be created as part of any cap-and-trade proposal. “A new cap and trade scheme will be rife with opportunities for fraud and tight regulation is essential,” Haroff was quoted as saying. "[T]he climate change bill is going to create a whole new set of opportunities for manipulation. If we don't regulate it properly, it could be disastrous.”
Casto Comments on Stimulus Funds Deadline in The Recorder
SHB Partner Keith Casto commented on stimulus funding deadlines for clean-energy companies in a September 2, 2009, article appearing in The Recorder. Titled “Harsh Environment for Green Energy,” the article discusses how environmental regulatory requirements are making it challenging to get environmental reviews completed, which will make it difficult for clean-energy companies to qualify for stimulus funds.
“The stimulus bill's stringent deadlines favor more established companies over startups and innovators,” Casto was quoted as saying. “Startups are more likely to face a Catch-22 because they'll be looking to borrow federal money to expand, but they can't buy or lease land, much less do environmental assessments, without guaranteed financing. They are also likely to have developed technologies that are new to permitting agencies and environmental review consultants.”
Northern California Super Lawyers Recognizes Kevin Haroff and Frank Kelly
The 2009 edition of Northern California Super Lawyers has singled out San Francisco Partners Kevin Haroff and Frank Kelly as outstanding legal practitioners. Only 5 percent of Northern California lawyers were named to the list.
Peer-recognition ballots were used to nominate attorneys and additional candidates were identified through an independent search. Final candidates were selected based on experience, professional achievements, bar activities, pro bono and community service, and scholarly lectures and writings.
Casto to Participate at the 2009 Missouri Environmental Conference at the Lake
SHB Partner Keith Casto will participate in a panel discussion titled “Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Reporting” at the 2009 Missouri Environmental Conference at the Lake on July 30, 2009, at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, Missouri. The panel will address the Environmental Protection Agency ’s 2009 Proposed Mandatory GHG Reporting Rule. To view more information or to register, please click here.
Keith Casto Appointed Lecturer by Santa Clara University School of Law
SHB Partner Keith Casto has been appointed lecturer at the Santa Clara University School of Law for the spring 2010 semester. Casto will engage students on national and international developments in climate change law as part of the school's Environmental Law Seminar.
Among his many specialties, Casto is involved with greenhouse gas emission credit trading and green technology financing.
Casto to Discuss Carbon Emissions Credits at Auditing Roundtable
SHB Partner Keith Casto will participate in an EHS Audit Skills Course and West Coast Regional Auditing Roundtable hosted by Shook, Hardy & Bacon’s San Francisco office on June 8-9, 2009. Sponsored by Beyond Compliance LLC and The Auditing Roundtable, the conference will provide a full day of environmental health and safety audit training and include presentations on California environmental regulations, enforcement under the Obama administration, and sustainability messaging. Casto will focus on “How to Incorporate the Verification of Carbon Emissions Credits into Environmental Audits.” To view the agenda, please click here.
Haroff Publishes Article on Western Water Issues in ABA Water Resources Newsletter
Designed for a wide variety of professionals including lawyers, consultants, brokers, and executives, this Webinar, in conjunction with another presented on May 28, is designed "to provide a roadmap on how to convert carbon emission reductions into tradable emissions allowances/credits and will address the regulatory, technical, financial and practical pitfalls along the path to realization of carbon credit-derived value." Significant legal issues involving leakage, co-pollutants, the interchangeability of different greenhouse gases, and interactions with Clean Air Act regulatory requirements, will be addressed.
