Associate Counsel or Senior Counsel, Clean Energy - New York City, NY or Albany, NY

New York is leading the nation in the fight on global climate change and the transition to a clean energy-powered economy. With the passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) , New York has codified the most aggressive climate change program in the nation with goals to reach zero carbon emissions in the electricity sector by 2040; install 9 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2035, 10 gigawatts of solar by 2030, and 6 gigawatts of energy storage by 2030. With the recent approval of the Climate Action Council’s final Scoping Plan, we have a strong framework to achieve an 85% reduction in GHG emissions from 1990 levels by 2050, and eventually net zero emissions economy-wide.

Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New York’s clean energy economy
Overcome barriers to using clean energy at a large-scale in New York
Enable New York’s communities and residents to benefit equitably from energy efficiency and renewable energy

Job Overview

NYSERDA is seeking a motivated, dynamic, and resourceful attorney in its Office of the General Counsel to provide legal support for NYSERDA’s administration of the Clean Energy Standard (CES).

With the passage of the Climate Act, New York State codified the most aggressive climate change program in the nation, including goals to produce 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030; reach zero carbon emissions in the electricity sector by 2040; and install 9 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2035. These targets have been incorporated by the New York State Public Service Commission into the CES, which is administered by NYSERDA.

Under the CES, NYSERDA conducts competitive solicitations for proposals to develop, build, own and operate renewable energy systems as defined under Public Service Law 66-p (including onshore renewable energy and offshore wind) that supply renewable electricity to New York State. The CES also encompasses the Zero Emission Credit (ZEC) program which provides financial support to certain zero emission resources. As a separate but related portion of the CES, NYSERDA administers the Build-Ready Program, in which NYSERDA partners with local communities across New York State to identify and advance under-utilized land for renewable energy projects.

NYSERDA’s solicitations culminate in the award of long-term contracts under which NYSERDA purchases the environmental attributes of supplied electricity, typically in the form of “renewable energy certificates” or “RECs.” The portfolio of contracts already awarded and managed by NYSERDA to date is worth tens of billions of dollars and continues to grow rapidly each year. Pursuant to the CES, the RECs purchased by NYSERDA are sold to New York State’s load-serving entities and passed down as generation supply charges to New York State ratepayers.

In this role, the attorney will be exposed to a wide range of issues, state policy initiatives and regulatory processes in a high-stakes environment. For example, administration of the CES, and particularly the offshore wind program, is increasingly intertwined with economic development, including the award and administration of substantial grant funding to offshore wind supply chain projects.

The ideal candidate should have experience in energy project development, financing and/or regulatory matters and be committed to NYSERDA’s mission and helping the organization continually improve and execute its work. The attorney should be a self-starter who acts independently, directs one’s own work and can handle diverse tasks quickly and accurately within a high-pressure environment.

The attorney who fills this role will be expected to assist Senior Counsel who will be responsible for planning and guiding the attorney’s substantive work.

Primary Responsibilities

Assist senior counsel and internal clients in developing, planning, and executing on CES programs
Draft, edit and coordinate contracts, regulatory filings, and other documents needed to implement the CES and advise and assist with respect to such matters
Analyze legal and regulatory issues arising with respect to the CES
Drive projects forward by gathering and effectively organizing required information, communicating effectively and professionally with internal and external stakeholders, developing, and monitoring plans, and keeping track of responsibilities and commitments of the team members
Work closely with and manage outside counsel, including review of complex substantive legal issues as well as law firm engagement and administrative matters
Appropriately handle confidential and sensitive matters
Additional responsibilities, as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar of New York State
Targeting between approximately 3- and 6-years’ experience for Associate Counsel and between approximately 7- and 10-years’ experience for Senior Counsel, in each case as legal counsel in one or more of the following subject areas:

Energy and infrastructure project development and finance
Energy regulatory matters
Energy and infrastructure commercial contracts, such as power purchase agreements or REC agreements
Government contracting for energy and infrastructure projects

Demonstrated interest in energy/infrastructure, environmental and economic development law
Ability to listen, understand and communicate articulately and persuasively, in both verbal and written form
Resourcefulness and pragmatism, focused on finding effective solutions to complex issues that take into account the big picture while paying attention to detail
Strong diplomatic and discretion skills to navigate sensitive projects and negotiations among NYSERDA, private counterparties and inter-agency teams with varied interests
Possession of a deep appreciation for the inter-relationship of the needs and perspectives of internal and external stakeholders in supporting NYSERDA’s mission
Dedicated work ethic and resolute integrity
Ability to handle highly sensitive matters with absolute integrity and discretion
Ability to handle stressful situations with measured calmness and decisiveness

Salary

The Associate Counsel salary range is $85,712- $108,342. The Senior Counsel salary range is $105,500- $147,256. Candidates will be considered based on qualifications and experience. An excellent benefits package is offered.

To Apply

Please submit one file for the Associate Counsel or Senior Counsel position, job# 752, that includes both your cover letter and resume.

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