Senior Program Counsel, Clean Energy Standard
Sr. Program Counsel, Clean Energy Standard
Albany Office
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 (CLCPA), New York has codified the most aggressive climate change program in the nation with goals to produce 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030; reach zero carbon emissions in the electricity sector by 2040; install 9 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2035; 6 gigawatts of solar by 2025; and 3 gigawatts of energy storage by 2030. Additionally, the law creates the Climate Action Council comprised of the leaders of various state agencies and authorities as well as legislative appointments to develop a plan outlining how the state will achieve an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2050, and eventually net zero emissions in all sectors of the economy.
On April 2, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed into law the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act (Accelerated Renewables Act), which makes major changes in the forum and permitting process for large-scale renewable projects. Specifically, the bill established a new renewable siting structure to be managed by a new office within the Department of State.
On October 15, 2020, the PSC issued its Order Adopting Modifications to the Clean Energy Standard (Order). In the Order, the PSC adopted several modifications to the Clean Energy Standard (CES) to align it with the CLCPA mandates. The Order authorizes NYSERDA, as central procurement administrator, to adopt procurement targets to meet the 70% renewable energy goal by 2030 and establish new renewable energy tiers in the furtherance of this goal.
NYSERDA is seeking a motivated, dynamic and resourceful attorney in its Office of the General Counsel to provide legal support for NYSERDA’s portfolio of Clean Energy Standard (CES) programs. The CES is designed to fight climate change, reduce harmful air pollution and ensure a diverse and reliable low carbon energy supply in furtherance of the requirement in New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act that 70 percent of New York's electricity comes from renewable energy sources by 2030.
In this role, the attorney will be exposed to a wide range of issues, state policy initiatives and regulatory processes. The ideal candidate should have experience in energy project development and/or regulatory matters related to New York State 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.
This role is a dynamic position utilizing the attorney’s knowledge and experience to both advise clients and to propose and execute upon creative strategies in line with the policy goals of NYSERDA and the State of New York.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Assist internal clients in developing, planning and executing on CES programs, and work with outside counsel regarding same
- Work closely with other attorneys in the Office of the General Counsel on a range of matters requiring wider coordination
- Draft, edit and coordinate contracts, regulatory filings, memoranda of understanding, 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
- Appropriately handle confidential and sensitive matters
- Perform other responsibilities as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
- Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar of New York State
- 7 years’ relevant experience in at least one of the following subject areas:
- Renewable energy regulatory, finance and legal affairs
- Complex regulatory proceedings involving energy- and environment-related matters
- Business organization and corporate law
- Government contracting involving sophisticated technologies and energy-related initiatives
- Demonstrated interest and expertise in energy or environmental law
- An articulate & persuasive communicator, in both verbal and written form, who expresses ideas effectively and fluently and recognizes the importance of listening
- Resourceful problem-solver focused on pragmatic and effective solutions to complex issues, maintaining focus on the big picture while paying attention to detail
- Strong diplomatic and discretion skills to navigate sensitive projects and negotiations among both NYSERDA 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
- Relentless work ethic and resolute integrity
- Ability to handle highly sensitive matters with absolute integrity and discretion
- Able to handle stressful situations with measured calmness and decisiveness
Salary:
Candidates will be considered based on qualifications and experience. An excellent benefits package is offered.
Location:
This position will be based in the NYSERDA Office of the General Counsel in Albany, NY; there may be flexibility with respect to travel and splitting time in the Authority’s New York City office.
To Apply:
Please submit one file that includes both your cover letter and resume to recruiter@nyserda.ny.gov and include the Position Title and Job Code 609 in the Subject Line.
NYSERDA is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting the Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA) and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator which can be found under the Americans with Disabilities Act section of this page labeled as “Reasonable Accommodation Contact Information.”