Forchelli, Curto, Deegan, LLP Andrew E. Curto, Joseph V. Cuomo,

Transcription

1

2 Forchelli, Curto, Deegan, LLP is the island's leading full-service law firms, has always enjoyed a solid reputation for successfully representing clients in real estate, land use and zoning, tax, trusts and estates, tax certiorari, corporate and commercial and litigation matters. Formed in 1976, under the helm of Managing Partner Jeffrey D. Forchelli, the Firm's areas of expertise have expanded to include environmental, banking, bankruptcy, employment and labor, municipal incentives/ida, entertainment, construction law and more. Throughout the Firm's growth, one thing has remained constant - its focus on obtaining results for clients. Headquartered in Uniondale, NY, the Firm is conveniently located for clients in Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as those in New York City. Andrew E. Curto, founder of the firm s Renewable Energy and Emerging Technology Practice Group established to help our clients navigate through this rapidly growing and exciting area of the law. He has concentrated his practice in the area of complicated commercial and employment litigation. In more recent years, he has continued to litigate commercial matters but also has developed a substantial practice in corporate problem solving, litigation avoidance and conflict resolution. Mr. Curto has substantial experience in appellate practice, and has gained valuable experience from prior employment with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Suffolk County District Attorney's office and Matthew Bender Co., a well-known legal publisher. Joseph V. Cuomo, co-chairs the Firm s Corporate Department, concentrates his practice on the representation of private and public companies and emerging businesses with respect to business law and transactional matters. He serves as outside general counsel to numerous middle market private companies. His practice also encompasses the representation of institutional and individual investors (including venture capital funds) and private equity funds with respect to their portfolio company transactions. Mr. Cuomo s business and transactional experience includes corporate equity and debt financings, venture capital round financings, private placements, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic partnerships, entity formation and maintenance, shareholders agreements, LLC agreements, corporate reorganizations and liquidations, and a wide variety of other commercial agreements.

3 Renewable energy is energy generated from natural resources that are continuously replenished. This energy can be captured by different types of processes, including; Fuel Cells, CHP, solar power, wind power, as well as geothermal, hydroelectric and biomass. There are many benefits to using renewable energy over traditional energy sources. Renewable energy creates less pollution and is better for the overall health of the environment. These forms of energy are more reliable and affordable than traditional energy sources.

4 Fuel Cells uses an electrochemical process to convert the chemical energy in a fuel to electricity. Hydrogen is the main and basic fuel used in this process, which generates electricity with very little pollution. The purpose of a fuel cell is to produce an electrical current that can be directed outside the cell to do work, such as powering an electric motor or illuminating a light bulb or a city. Because of the way electricity behaves, this current returns to the fuel cell, completing an electrical circuit. Combined Heat and Power ( CHP ), also known as cogeneration, is the process of using one fuel source of energy to produce two individual energy products: thermal energy (heat) and electricity. Traditional power generation involves two separate processes to produce the same two energy products, but results in more energy waste and emissions to the environment. With CHP, thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted is recovered and recycled to supply thermal energy for heating and cooling systems. Solar energy converts the energy from the sun into electricity. Unlike electricity generated by fossil fuels, electricity generated by solar energy does not create noise, air or water pollution. Solar panels can be mounted on the roof of a home or building, which convert sunlight into electricity. Excess electricity produced by the solar electric system goes into the utility grid, where the user can reuse the excess electricity or can receive a rebate for the money saved. Wind turbines convert wind energy directly into pollution-free, renewable electric power. This energy process must still compete with traditional generation sources on a cost basis because the wind technology requires a higher initial investment than fossil-fueled generators. That being said, wind power makes a small but real contribution to meeting electric power needs in New York. Wind is a plentiful source that provides energy without burning fossil fuels or emitting greenhouse gases.

5 Governor Cuomo initiates the establishment of Clean Energy Standard that mandates 50% of New York s electricity to come from renewable energy sources by He states that "New York has taken bold action to become a national leader in the clean energy economy and is taking concrete, cost-effective steps today to safeguard this state s environment for decades to come." Governor Cuomo launched a $5 Billion Clean Energy Fund to Grow New York s Clean Energy Economy. The Clean Energy Fund will advance solar, wind, energy efficiency and other clean tech industries to spur economic development and reduce harmful emission. This fund is to be administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority ( NYSERDA ). The Fund has encouraged property owners and various size business owners to transition into utilizing and installing renewable energy systems, which can result in decreased utility bills. NYSERDA has reported that energy improvements are proven investments for businesses, and can decrease process-related energy waste and operating and maintenance costs.

6 NYSERDA periodically releases Program Opportunity Notices ( PONs ), which solicit projects and provide incentives for the installation of specific types of renewable energy systems. Each PON provides information about the specific incentives for each program, including the available budget; the application deadline; application procedures; required qualifications of the applicant, as well as the incentive application forms; and sample contracts. The budget and application process varies depending on the specific type of renewable energy program that is more suitable for the property. Incentives are granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. NYSERDA is continually releasing funding opportunities and new programs in order to publicize energy issues and request proposals that may address those challenges. Thus, it is essential to remain apprised of all funding available in the different renewable energy sectors in order to maximize financial benefits.

7 Navigating the world of renewable energy can be daunting. Forchelli, Curto, Deegan, Schwartz, Mineo & Terrana, LLP has always been environmentally conscious. The firm is proud to be the first law firm on Long Island to be LEED-Certified Silver (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) in the Commercial Interior category. The Firm s success in securing LEED certification for its headquarters in The Omni Building is an example of its commitment to and support for sustainable building practices. With experience in energy efficiency, this firm can help other companies achieve similar environmentally conscious results. Our goal is to assist you in making an easy transition to renewable energy while utilizing all funding available to you. If you have any questions regarding the State incentives available to you and the application process, please do not hesitate to contact our office. Phone: Address: The Omni, 333 Earle Ovington Blvd. Suite 1010 Uniondale, NY 11553