As the U.S. seeks to jumpstart a hydrogen economy with the creation of Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs (H2Hubs), Saul Ewing stands ready to advise clients in the energy, transportation, industrial, manufacturing and agribusiness industries on next steps. The H2Hubs will accelerate the commercial-scale deployment of low-cost, clean hydrogen—a valuable energy product that can be produced with zero or near-zero carbon emissions.
Saul Ewing advises a wide variety of participants in the energy industry on their real estate, environmental, regulatory, transactional and litigation needs. We counsel on traditional as well as clean energy projects, and have experience working with clients involved with hydrogen in the energy, manufacturing, utilities and research sectors.
With extensive energy industry experience, we are well-versed in guiding project developers through federal, state and local approvals. Our significant work anticipating, understanding and responding to potential opposition groups will be an asset to those producing and developing hydrogen as we expect many projects will be challenged in the absence of any overriding federal law.
We routinely advise on the following areas:
- Due Diligence: performing state and local environmental, real estate, land use, permitting and state utility commission regulatory due diligence
- Environmental Permitting: securing permits, including air, water and solid waste permits required by local, state, and federal environmental authorities
- Real Estate: drafting and reviewing deeds, leases and licenses; negotiating easements and rights-of-way; handling title, conveyance and recordation matters
- Zoning, Land Use and Subdivision: securing approvals at local and state levels
- Federal, State and Local Tax: advising on income (including tax credits), property, transfer and other tax issues
- Financing: representing lenders, investors and owners in securing funding for energy projects
- State Regulatory Commissions: representing clients at all stages of project approval proceedings
- Contracting: drafting and negotiating contracts, including equipment and procurement agreements, construction and installation contracts, power purchase agreements (PPAs), operation and maintenance agreements, and agreements for the purchase or sale of energy projects
- Government and Community Relations: managing a variety of political and local issues on behalf of our clients
- Disputes and Litigation: representing clients in local administrative proceedings, federal and state trial and appellate courts and alternative dispute resolution forums when disputes arise
