Law Commons^™

The Cape Wind Offshore Wind Energy Project: A Case Study Of The Difficult Transition To Renewable Energy, Kenneth Kimmell, Dawn Stolfi Stalenhoef

Golden Gate University Environmental Law Journal

This article presents the story of one renewable energy alternative that is available wherever the wind blows strong and steady. If that alone is not sufficient enticement to read further, the authors also promise to present one of the most engaging permitting sagas ever known to this field. Indeed, the Cape Wind Energy project was held captive by the permitting process for nearly a decade – in stark contrast to numerous offshore oil projects – due to the imposition of disproportionally rigorous regulatory scrutiny and the dogged political pressure applied by a few wealthy homeowners with ocean views in the …

Riding The Wave: Confronting Jurisdictional And Regulatory Barriers To Ocean Energy Development, Danielle Murray, Christopher Carr, Jennifer Jeffers, Alejandra Núñez-Luna

Golden Gate University Environmental Law Journal

This Article provides a brief history of wave energy development, examines the status of hydrokinetic projects undertaken at a state and local level, and navigates the overlapping, and often competing, jurisdictional mandates confronting U.S. project developers. It also explores lessons learned from the European Union’s (EU) recent regulatory experience and provides recommendations for short- and long-term steps forward in the United States. Part II discusses early wave energy projects, research and policy developments, and highlights recent advances in technical testing and economic feasibility of wave energy projects. Part III analyzes the status of hydrokinetic energy development at the state and …

Siting Offshore Hydrokinetic Energy Projects: A Comparative Look At Wave Energy Regulation In The Pacific Northwest, Rachael Salcido

Golden Gate University Environmental Law Journal

This Article considers the approaches that Oregon, California, and Washington have taken to address the need for additional renewable energy while also undertaking a shift to comprehensive ocean management. Discussion of offshore federalism, a component of the opportunities and challenges of this nascent industry, is highlighted at various points. The Memoranda of Understanding that these coastal states have entered into with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission have been central to facilitating hydrokinetic energy development. While each state has taken a slightly different approach to folding wave energy into its alternative energy and marine management agendas, the progress made is encouraging …

The Not-So-Green Renewable Energy: Preventing Waste Disposal Of Solar Photovoltaic (Pv) Panels, Genevieve Coyle

Golden Gate University Environmental Law Journal

This Comment provides a background on solar power and PV technology, identifies the toxic components of PV products, and explains how disposal of PV waste poses a threat to the environment. Part II also illustrates how poor management of electronic waste (e-waste) in the U.S. has resulted in environmental pollution - a preventable consequence that can be avoided for the PV industry.

Part III advocates a recycling and life-cycle-management approach to regulation because it provides a more sustainable future for the solar industry. Part IV discusses federal and state hazardous waste regulations and demonstrates how these laws are ineffective to …

Future Force Sustainability: Department Of Defense And Energy Efficiency In A Changing Climate, Laura Horton

Golden Gate University Environmental Law Journal

Part I of this discussion will begin with background information on the United States military’s contribution to GHG emissions and climate change. It will also look at some examples of exemptions the military has received from federal environmental laws, particularly during times of conflict. Next, it will focus on energy efficiency standards and exemptions, some of which the military has stated it will comply with voluntarily. Part II of this discussion will then survey some of the ways the military has begun to meet energy efficiency standards, including renewable fuel programs and solar installations. That Part will look at these …