We assist the City Attorney with legal representation in matters before courts and regulatory agencies in specialized litigation, regulatory and transactional matters involving federal and state energy law, renewable and conventional energy, greenhouse gas emissions, hydro-licensing, other matters related to the generation, interconnection, distribution, transmission and storage of energy and other matters at LADWP, the largest municipal utility in the United States.

Environmental review counsel on transmission, substation, and system-reliability projects statewide, from the 358-mile Ivanpah-Control rating remediation to the North Gila–Imperial Valley interconnection.

negotiated PPAs for NCPA including a $500 million green PPA between Western GeoPower (now RAM Power).

Meyers Nave advised UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) on NEPA/CEQA reviews for the Solar Energy Research Center (SERC), among the first to evaluate environmental impacts of nanoparticle research.

Meyers Nave is a cornerstone legal partner to LAWA, supporting the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY) through critical infrastructure expansions, sweeping modernizations, regulatory challenges, key transactions, and high-stakes litigation.

A decade as NCPA’s general counsel, spanning a $500 million geothermal power purchase agreement, the Lodi Energy Center’s procurement and gas supply, and $250 million-plus in project revenue bonds.

• Acquisition of electrical transmission, water and natural gas facilities.
  Transfer of licenses for a hydroelectric facility.
• FERC proceedings relating to applications for wave-generation projects off the coastline.
• Preparation of a request for proposals to solicit energy service companies and energy developers to provide financing, engineering, procurement, operations and maintenance of rooftop and stand-alone solar facilities on or near certain public buildings.
• Agreements, include the sale of geothermal energy on a “take and pay” basis, design of a small hydropower plant, project specifications and front-end terms and conditions for a hydropower plant maintenance project, and a cloud seeding project for hydropower plant.
• Oil and gas transaction and regulatory advice regarding land use entitlement and related project development, environmental law compliance programs and enforcement actions, asset sales and acquisitions, corporate insurance programs and marketing and manufacturing agreements.
• Advice to entities seeking to become community choice aggregators, and to existing publicly owned utilities with respect to the purchase of electric power.
  Power purchase transactions and the formation of joint powers agencies, which purchase natural gas and electricity on behalf of their members.

Meyers Nave served as lead permitting and litigation counsel for Bloom Energy in challenging a public agency’s failure to issue ministerial permits for two fuel cell installations valued at over $60M. The litigation led to a successful settlement, securing Bloom the right to obtain the requested permits, and establishing a streamlined permitting pathway for future projects.

Regulatory counsel to the City of Goleta on the Aliso Canyon storage facility leak.

Design-build solar programs from Kern County’s $7.5 million arrays to a 760kW solar farm powering a wastewater plant, and a photovoltaic system feeding treated effluent to geothermal steam wells, a world first.

Six years as San Bruno’s special counsel after the PG&E explosion, through a $70 million settlement and the largest penalty ever assessed against a California utility.

Yucaipa Valley Water District’s power purchase agreement pairing Tesla power packs with generation to keep treatment running through wildfire outages.

The defense of Central Coast Community Energy’s rates against a Proposition 26 challenge, won at trial and affirmed on appeal.

The City of Redding’s acquisition of a PG&E transmission facility, through judgment in condemnation.

SDG&E Sunrise Powerlink Transmission Line Project. Legal review of EIR/EIS for the 117-mile, $1.883 billion 500-kilovolt electric transmission “superhighway” to carry renewable energy from Imperial County to San Diego County with 1,000-megawatt capacity (enough energy for 650,000 homes). The highly controversial project traverses several cities as well as federal and state lands improving the reliability of the electric transmission grid and link renewable energy sources to primary consumers.

Managed complex litigation securing full recovery of spent nuclear fuel storage costs: $53 million (2014), $22.5 million (2015), and $28.87 million (2017). Negotiated power purchase agreements for solar (11 MW), wind (128 MW), geothermal (120 MW), and biomass (7,000 MMBtu/day) resources. Led negotiations with PG&E to resolve disputed gas transmission rights valued at over $10 million and served as lead counsel for SMUD’s successful intervention in PG&E’s 2014 gas transmission rate case, valued at $2 million annually. Secured favorable treatment of renewable energy carryover valued at $10–$20 million. Negotiated agreements supporting R&D into energy efficiency, demand response, electric vehicles, and micro-grids. Developed and advocated for electric vehicle charging station deployment and policies to expand EV adoption, including the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, before CARB, CEC, and CPUC. Advocated for pragmatic carbon reduction policies before state agencies.

SCE Circle City Substation and Mira Loma-Jefferson 66 kilovolt Subtransmission Line Project. Legal review of an EIR and associated documentation for a permit to construct (PTC) the Circle City Substation and Mira Loma-Jefferson 66kV Subtransmission Line Project. The Project consists of construction of: a new 66/12 kV substation (Circle City Substation); four new 66 kV subtransmission source lines; and a new 66 kV subtransmission line, which would be a combination of both overhead and underground construction. The Project would also include an upgrade to the Mira Loma Substation, construction of approximately six new underground 12 kV distribution getaways exiting the proposed Circle City Substation, relocation of approximately 1.9 miles of an existing overhead 33 kV distribution line to an underground position, and installation of telecommunication facilities to connect the Project to SCE’s existing telecommunications system.

The Court of Appeal reversed in full and entered judgment for the City of San Diego, moving roughly $100 million in relocation costs off the City. San Diego Gas & Electric and the City disputed which of them had to pay to move electric and gas facilities out of City streets, relocation made necessary by new pipelines for a City project converting wastewater to potable water. The trial court had granted SDG&E summary judgment and denied the City’s. The City brought Meyers Nave in for the appeal.

SCE Control-Silver Peak TLRR Project. Provide legal support related to CEQA and NEPA review of a component of SCE’s Transmission Line Remediation Rating (TLRR) Program. The proposed project is located in the City of Bishop and in unincorporated portions of Inyo County and Mono County. Portions of the Proposed Project are located on the Inyo National Forest and on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The objectives of the proposed project include reduction in customer outages with the new shield wire, hardening of the circuits in a Cal Fire threat severity zone and reduction of weather-related outages. The project would also reduce environmental impact due to the elimination of one circuit on a separate tower line.

As counsel to the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Bill Westerfield negotiated a 23-year power purchase agreement for up to 120 MW of geothermal energy from the Patua Project in Nevada, including complex transmission arrangements to the California-Oregon Transmission Project intertie. When the project encountered development challenges, he led the response by negotiating multiple amendments, addressing capacity reductions, integrating solar photovoltaic supply, and guiding the transaction through eventual sale and restructuring. This experience reflects a practical understanding of how energy projects evolve under real-world constraints and how disciplined contracting keeps them viable.

SCE Devers–Palo Verde No. 2 (DPV2) Transmission Line Project. Legal review of EIR/EIS for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for construction of high voltage (500 kilovolt) electric transmission line through California and Arizona, known as Devers-Palo Verde No. 2 (DPV2) and upgrades of transmission facilities in an existing transmission line corridor that passes through the multiple cities, counties in both California and Arizona and federal and tribal lands. Following project approval, SCE filed a Petition for Modification (PFM), which required additional environmental review.

LS Power Gates 500 kV Dynamic Reactive Support Project. Complex legal review of an IS/MND and supporting CEQA documentation for a project identified by CAISO in its 2018–2019 Transmission Plan as “reliability-driven” to address and mitigate voltage support issues by providing system stability and reliability. Construction would support the regional transmission system by providing voltage support and grid stability at PG&E’s Gates Substation, facilitating reliable operation of the extra-high voltage transmission system following the decommissioning of the Diablo Canyon nuclear generating units.

SCE Ivanpah-Control Project. Provide legal support related to CEQA and NEPA evaluation of SCE’s application for a Permit to Construct a project within its Transmission Line Ratings Remediation (TLRR) Program to build 358 miles of existing 115kV subtransmission circuits, install 360 miles of optical groundwire and/or fiber optic cable, and related distribution and substation work in unincorporated portions of Inyo County, Kern County, and San Bernardino County, and in the City of Barstow. The proposed project crosses significant portions of lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Our engagement will focus on providing legal counsel to CPUC in connection with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) request for supplemental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to address potential impacts to the Crotch’s bumble bee associated with Southern California Edison’s Alberhill System Project. The scope of this engagement is targeted and does not contemplate review of the entire CEQA document. We would be happy to provide such services at the CPUC’s request if the need arises.

Ten West Link 500 kV Transmission Line Project (Delaney-Colorado River 500 kV line). Provide legal support related to CEQA and NEPA evaluation of Delaney Colorado River Transmission LLC’s application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for installation of a 114-mile 500-kV transmission line, a 17-mile portion of which would be constructed in California, beginning in the City of Blythe and running eastward to the Colorado River near the Interstate 10 corridor in western Riverside County, California.

LS Power the South Bay Project. Legal review of an EIR and supporting CEQA documentation for construction and operation of a new 230 kV AC transmission line approximately 12 miles in length, consisting of both overhead and underground segments, connecting PG&E’s Newark Substation to Silicon Valley Power’s Northern Receiving Station. The project also includes modifications to both substations and would be located in the cities of Fremont, Milpitas, San José, and Santa Clara, and within Alameda and Santa Clara Counties.

Represented investor-owned utilities before the CPUC and other California agencies in proceedings involving general rate cases, energy cost adjustments, energy efficiency and low-income assistance compliance, resource adequacy requirements, RPS compliance, transmission line permitting, and solar energy policy development. Represented the Western Electricity Coordinating Council in launching the Western Renewable Energy Generation Information System (WREGIS), serving as principal author of account holder agreements.

PG&E Northern San Joaquin 230-kV Transmission Project. Legal review of an EIR and supporting CEQA documentation for construction and operation of a new 230 kV transmission system with approximately 10.6 miles of new double-circuit 230 kV transmission lines, an expanded substation, a modified substation, a new substation, a new switching station, reconfiguration of four existing 60 kV lines, relocation or extension of two existing 12 kV lines, and upgrades at four remote-end substations and one repeater station.

LSPGC Manning 500/230 kV Substation Project. Legal review of an IS/MND and supporting CEQA documentation for construction and operation of the Manning Substation on a 40-acre site, including a new 12-mile overhead double-circuit 230 kV transmission line to PG&E’s Tranquility Switching Station, interconnection with multiple 500 kV and 230 kV transmission lines, reconductoring of approximately 7 miles of PG&E’s Panoche–Tranquility 230 kV lines, and extension of existing underground fiber to the new line.

SCE California City Substation 115 kV Upgrade Project. Legal review of an EIR and supporting CEQA documentation for upgrades to the existing Cal City Substation, including replacement of 33/12 kV transformers with 115/33 kV and 115/12 kV transformers; construction of two new 115 kV subtransmission lines (Kramer–Cal City and Cal City–Edwards–Holgate); new underground distribution getaways; and installation of new telecommunication facilities at the Cal City, Kramer, Edwards, and Holgate Substations.

Legal review of forthcoming CEQA document for an application to address the safety, environmental, and reliability concerns in SDG&E’s existing Del Mar Substation area, and ensure that the substation and associated components meet the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) criteria. The applicant proposes to meet NERC criteria by replacing an overhead 69 kV power line (TL666D) that is currently operated in the open position with a new line (TL6974D) of a higher voltage rating.

PG&E Moraga–Oakland X 115 kV Rebuild Project. Legal review of an EIR and supporting CEQA documentation for upgrades to approximately 5 miles of four overhead 115 kV power lines between Moraga and Oakland X Substations in the City of Orinda, unincorporated Contra Costa County, and the cities of Oakland and Piedmont in Alameda County. The project would rebuild the four overhead lines into four hybrid lines with approximately 4 miles overhead and 1 mile underground.

LS Power Grid California, LLC (LSPGC) Power Santa Clara Valley Project. Legal review of an EIR and supporting CEQA documentation for construction of two new HVDC terminals and associated new transmission lines, including a 13-mile 320 kV DC underground line (Grove–Skyline), a 100-foot 230 kV AC tie line (Skyline–San Jose B), and a 1.2-mile 500 kV AC underground line (Metcalf–Grove). The project would be located in the City of San José and Santa Clara County.

Defended a CEQA and planning and zoning law challenge to the County’s approval of a site plan review and a franchise ordinance for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) known as the Hecate Grid Humidor Storage 1 LLC project. Once built, the BESS will help integrate renewable energy to the electric grid and support grid reliability and resilience, supporting the County’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improving electrical demand response.

LS Power Round Mountain 500 kV Dynamic Reactive Support Project. Legal review of an IS/MND and supporting CEQA documentation for construction of the Fern Road Substation, a +/-529 MVAR dynamic reactive support facility with at least two equally sized STATCOM units. The STATCOM units would be independently connected to PG&E’s regional electric transmission system via the adjacent Round Mountain–Table Mountain #1 and #2 500 kV transmission lines.

SDG&E Sycamore-Peñasquitos 230-Kilovolt Transmission Line Project. Legal review of an EIR and associated documentation for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for construction and operation of a new 230-kV transmission line between the existing Sycamore Canyon and Peñasquitos Substations, including four transmission line segments and minor modifications to four existing substations.

PG&E South of Palermo 115-kilovolt (kV) Power Line Reinforcement Project. Provided legal support related to CEQA compliance for PG&E’s proposal reconstruct, operate, and maintain the existing approximately 60-mile Palermo to Rio Oso transmission system located in Butte, Yuba, and Sutter Counties to replace aging facilities, address overloads, and improve reliability of electric service to its customers.

PG&E Missouri Flat-Gold Hill 115kV Power Line Reconductoring Project. Legal review of IS/MND for an application to reinforce the electric transmission and distribution system in El Dorado County by replacing existing conductor (reconductoring), replacing existing poles, and modifying existing lattice steel towers on the Missouri Flat-Gold Hill115 kV Power Line (Missouri Flat-Gold Hill Line).

SDG&E Tie Line 649 Wood-to-Steel Replacement Project (TL 649). Legal review of IS/MND for proposed wood-to-steel replacement of existing facilities; conversion of approximately 430 feet of underground power line cable under State Route 125 to an overhead configuration; interception of existing underground distribution lines; and modification of existing access roads as needed.

Legal review of forthcoming CEQA document for a PTC a combination of new overhead single-circuit electric power line structures, rebuild of existing structures from single circuit to double circuit, and the reconductoring and re-energizing of existing conductors in the cities of Carlsbad, Escondido, Vista and San Marcos, and in unincorporated San Diego County.

SCE Gorman-Kern River TLRR Project. Legal review of an IS/MND and supporting CEQA documentation for rebuilding 65.3 miles of existing 66 kV subtransmission circuits, including removal and replacement of existing subtransmission towers and poles, replacement of conductor, installation of optical ground wire, and modifications to existing substation facilities.

At the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, he led the team that drafted the founding governance agreements for the Balancing Authority of Northern California JPA, supporting grid reliability under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, North American Electric Reliability Corporation, and Western Electricity Coordinating Council standards.

SCE Mesa Substation. Legal review of an EIR and associated documentation for a Permit to Construct for rebuild and upgrade a portion of SCE’s transmission infrastructure primarily within the Western Los Angeles Basin Electrical Needs Area. The project will upgrade the existing 220/66/16-kV Mesa Substation to a 500/220/66/16-kV substation.

PG&E Fulton-Fitch Mountain Reconductoring Project. Legal review of IS/MND for an application to reinforce the electric transmission system in central Sonoma County by replacing the conductor on a 9.9-mile-long section of the Fulton-Hopland 60-kV Power Line (Fulton-Hopland line) between the Fulton Substation and Fitch Mountain Substation.

Horizon West Transmission, LLC and PG&E Estrella Substation and Paso Robles Area Reinforcement Project. Legal review and support related to preparation of an EIR for a Permit to Construct a new 230 kilovolt (kV) electrical substation and a new 70 kV substation located in an unincorporated portion of northern San Luis Obispo County.

SDG&E Salt Creek Substation Project. Legal review of an EIR and associated documentation for construction of a 69/12-kV substation at the Salt Creek Substation site; and underground loop-in to connect the existing 69-kV powerline (TL 6910) to the substation; and additional energy generation at the existing CalPeak Power.

SCE Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (Segments 4-11) (TRTP 4-11). Legal review of EIR/EIS for construction of the 500-kilovolt transmission project, proposed by Southern California Edison. The Project includes some National Forest land and requires a 50-year term Special Use Easement from the Forest Services.

PG&E Atascadero-San Luis Obispo 70 kV Power Line Reconductoring Project. Legal review related to replacement of the existing deteriorating conductors and supporting structures with new, LDS poles, TSPs, and lattice steel towers along an existing 15.5-mile segment of the Atascadero – San Luis Obispo 70 kV power line.

PG&E Vierra Reinforcement Project. Legal review of IS/MND for the proposed expansion of the existing Vierra Substation in the City of Lathrop and construction of a new, double-circuit power line west from the substation, approximately 1 mile to the existing Tesla-Stockton Cogen Junction 115 kilovolt (kV) Power Line.

SCE Red Bluff Substation. Legal advice related to CEQA review of improvements associated with the Desert Sunlight Solar Farm project, which was analyzed in an EIS prepared by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in accordance with CEQA Guidelines section 15225 permitting the CPUC to use the EIS in place of an EIR.

PG&E Embarcadero-Potrero 230kV Transmission Project. Legal review of IS/MND for an application for a Certification of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for a transmission project in San Francisco with portion of transmission line to be installed offshore underneath the seafloor of the San Francisco Bay.

Meyers Nave is advising Imperial County on all aspects of the Lithium Valley Specific Plan and its associated EIR. The Specific Plan sets forth a comprehensive framework to turn the Imperial Valley into a hub for renewable energy, mineral recovery, manufacturing, and logistics across 51,786 acres adjacent to the Salton Sea, providing for geothermal energy, lithium extraction, battery production, and restoration of the Salton Sea. The plan is positioned to help California decarbonize the electricity sector and is a crucial pillar of the California Air Resources Board’s 2022 Scoping Plan to address climate change.

AES, a multi-national power company, challenged the language of the City’s Ballot Measure UU and the City Attorney’s Impartial Analysis, and the Argument in Favor of the Measure. Measure UU sought voter approval to amend the existing Telephone, Gas, Electricity, Water, and Video Users’ Tax (“UUT“) to eliminate the UUT exclusion for natural gas used in conducting the business of a utility.