Energy Technologies

Facilitating Development and Deployment of New Technologies

Van Ness Feldman's diverse energy technologies practice helps emerging growth and established clients capitalize on the energy efficiency and "clean tech" trend by taking full advantage of government regulations and policies.  Where no such policies exist, or where they need to be updated, we advocate on behalf of our clients before the Department of Energy, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Congress.

Applying experience gained from service in senior positions at FERC, DOE, and the Federal Energy Management Program, our professionals help clients by:

• Identifying products that may be affected by proposed regulations or policies
• Working with clients and the Department of Energy to modify one-size-fits-all regulations to fit unique products and circumstances
• Analyzing scenarios for potential energy efficiency policies, legislation, and regulations and the resulting impacts on clients to keep them ahead of the curve
• Assisting in the development of business plans to assess the size of the market for a given technology and attract venture and investment capital

Advising a Range of Market Participants

We advise clients who are developing, or investing in the development of, technologies, as well as companies who consume and use technologies.  Examples include:

• Energy services companies
• Electric utilities
• Advanced electric meter suppliers
• Appliance manufacturers
• Lighting manufacturers (including advanced LED technologies)
• Air conditioner manufacturers
• Building materials manufacturers
• Automakers
• Biofuel feedstock and production interests
• Industrial gas and chemical companies
• The nation’s premier green buildings organization
• Think tanks
• Energy efficiency advocates
• Investment banks and funds, including venture capital funds, hedge funds and private equity funds
• Energy efficient product manufacturers
• Utility energy efficiency programs

Representative Projects

U.S. Green Building Council.  We have assisted the U.S. Green Building Council (responsible for promulgation of the LEED for buildings) to manage their explosive growth, build their chapter network and advocacy capabilities, become a technical resource for government agencies, and achieve recognition from standards-setting bodies in a host of areas.

Biofuels Working Group.  We advise a coalition of biofuel feedstock and production interests on technology development and environmental concerns that will shape this new industry.

EnergyStar Certification for Windows.  On behalf of a building materials company, we obtained EnergyStar certification for aluminum windows that significantly expanded the size of the market for their product. 

Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards (CAFE).  Since the program's inception in 1975, we have been heavily involved in the development and subsequent interpretation and proposed amendments to, adaptation of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard.  Our current work involves analysis of issues such as whether the program should evolve from an engine efficiency basis to a tailpipe emission basis, and how to incorporate potential biofuel mandates and plug-in hybrids.