Environmental & Natural Resources

Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Allen Matkins applies a multi-disciplinary approach to climate change and sustainable development.

We provide clients with advice and insight on current issues related to green and sustainable construction and development. These include: 

• California legislation such as: 
• AB 32, concerning greenhouse gas emissions 
• SB 375, concerning “sustainable communities” 
• The new California cap-and-trade program
• Federal energy and climate bills that attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through actual or incipient programs such as: 
• Cap and trade 
• Carbon emission offsets 
• Carbon sequestration

We also assist clients in renewable energy project development and financing. We specialize in: 

• Law and incentives relating to green and sustainable construction 
• Certifications by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) 
• Other forms of certification, including LEED 2.2 and its carbon overlay, green building information modeling (BIM)

We also advise clients on the management of current and emerging risks associated with green and sustainable construction.

Our land use and environmental attorneys are up to date on the rapidly developing impacts of climate change and greenhouse gas reduction goals on CEQA and NEPA compliance.