Description

Join us for a timely and informative webinar on the sweeping changes to federal energy tax credits that are now officially law. This session will discuss what the new legislation means for energy projects, especially those leveraging the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), Section 48E, and other key provisions. We'll cover new phase-out timelines, construction and placed-in-service deadlines, and how recent restrictions—such as those related to Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOC)—could impact eligibility.

Speakers

Dr. Timothy Unruh, Executive Director, National Association of Energy Service Companies (moderator)

Dr. Timothy D. Unruh joins NAESCO after over 26 years in energy efficiency and clean energy development. Most recently, he served in two senior roles at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) – Director of the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Renewable Power. As FEMP Director, Dr. Unruh helped launch the President’s Performance Contracting Challenge pushing for growth in performance contracting with the Federal Government, as well as eProject Builder targeting a common national platform for ESCO industry data. As DAS for Renewable Power, Dr. Unruh helped develop the Beyond Batteries initiative to explore innovative ways to provide grid services, including using building energy efficiency technologies to improve grid integration with renewable technologies.

Prior to his work at DOE, Dr. Unruh spent many years working for ESCOs. During his time at Custom Energy and ConEdison Solutions, he fulfilled performance contracting work in all markets (MUSH, industrial, commercial and federal), gaining expertise in business development, engineering, measurement and verification, legal and financial aspects of the industry, often through first-hand experience in fulfilling the work. Early in his career, Dr. Unruh worked for CMS Energy, finding efficiency and power quality solutions for commercial and industrial energy users, where he developed his energy engineering foundation.

Dr. Unruh holds a Bachelors, Masters, and Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. He also holds professional engineering licenses in 13 States and the District of Columbia.

Kate Lynch, Principal, Klein Johnson Group

A trusted advisor to businesses, advocacy groups, coalitions, and Members of Congress, Kate has nearly two decades of experience securing Congressional and Executive Branch support for clients’ priorities. 

Kate worked for three senior members of the New England Congressional delegation, including former Democratic Caucus Chair and current senior member of the House Ways & Means Committee, John Larson (D-CT). As one of Larson’s top legislative aides, Kate oversaw the Congressman’s work in energy, environmental, transportation, small business, and agriculture sectors. Prior to her time with Larson, Kate oversaw Congresswoman Niki Tsongas’ (D-MA) work on the House Natural Resources Committee, after working on her successful campaign to replace retiring Congressman Marty Meehan (D-MA). As an aide to Meehan, Kate first developed her expertise on energy and environmental issues.  

In 2012, Kate transitioned into government affairs consulting and coalition management, at Cascade Associates where she oversaw congressional outreach, education, and lobbying efforts for clients, including the Federal Performance Contracting Coalition (FPCC).

Norm Lent, Principal, Klein Johnson Group

With three decades of experience at navigating federal policy and politics, Norm Lent is a trusted advisor to businesses which value his legislative know-how, solid reputation and bipartisan relationships.

Norm’s practice focuses on (1) energy and environment and related tax issues, (2) communications, technology, and mobile, and (3) trade.

In the energy and environment sector, Norm is advocating clean energy incentives in pending environmental and tax legislation for power sector clients. In 2017, Norm worked to ensure the protection of clean energy tax incentives and the inclusion of interest deduction, pass-through entity, and other provisions important to energy clients in the landmark Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In 2012, Norm helped shepherd the New York City Natural Gas Supply Enhancement Act through Congress and to President Obama for signature. This bipartisan legislation authorized the Secretary of Interior to allow the construction and operation of natural gas pipeline facilities in the National Park Service’s Gateway National Recreation Area that today bring additional reliable, clean, domestic, and economical natural gas to millions of New Yorkers. 

In the communications, technology, and mobile sector, Norm has successfully lobbied on 5G wireless technology, Internet of Things, spectrum auction and cybersecurity policy issues and has been active in tax, trade, intellectual property and immigration issues affecting the sector.

During the Trump Administration, Norm represented steel and agriculture clients on high-profile trade issues.  

After graduating from the University of Virginia, Norm began his Washington career as a legislative assistant to Rep. Connie Mack (R-FL). After graduating from William and Mary Law School, Norm was an associate attorney at Dyer, Ellis, Joseph & Mills where he represented health care, maritime transportation, and energy clients. Later, Norm was a principal at Lent Scrivner & Roth where he focused on energy, environment, communications, and technology issues. Norm then joined Dow Lohnes as a counsel where he was also an executive vice president at the firm's government relations subsidiary with a focus on energy, environment, communications, technology, and tax policy issues. 

Most recently, Norm was counsel at Arent Fox and part of the firm’s government relations team where he focused on energy, environment, communications, technology, tax, trade and healthcare issues.

Norm grew up in East Rockaway, New York, and Cape Coral, Florida. Norm and his wife Susan live in Alexandria, Virginia. Their daughter lives and works in Chicago and their son is in college in Boston. Norm and his family enjoy sailing Flying Scotts, Sunfishes and Lasers on the Potomac River south of Alexandria’s historic Old Town.

Josh Howes, CEO Blue Energy Group

Josh was born and raised in Kentucky. After graduating from the University of Kentucky, he and his wife Becky moved back to Louisville where they have raised their 5 children. He is the owner of Blue Energy Group which is an engineering firm that specializes in commercial building energy tax incentives. Josh is a Professional Engineer licensed in all 50 states and has been an advocate and leader in all things related to the 179D tax code since 2011. In his spare time Josh enjoys spending time with family, competing in Crossfit competitions, and is co-owner of Watch Hill Proper, a bourbon bar and restaurant.

This webinar will NOT be recorded.