A Team Approach to Tackling Clean Energy Development Across Indian Country

Recently, Attorneys Adam Cote, Erick Giles, and Stacey Caulk negotiated an agreement on behalf of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians for a $32 million solar and battery storage microgrid project — one of the largest grants ever awarded by the State of California. The project will support energy sovereignty for the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians and deploy important energy technologies to support California’s clean energy goals.

However, this incredible project in California is just the tip of the iceberg of a collaborative undertaking that has taken place at Drummond Woodsum over the last several years between four of the firm’s practice Groups: Energy & Public Utility, Environment & Natural Resources, Land Use & Conservation, and our nationally renowned Tribal Nations Service Group.

“The strength of Drummond Woodsum is the tight collaborative nature of our firm; we are more than colleagues.’

Said Corey Hinton, a citizen of the Passamaquoddy Nation and Co-Chair of the Tribal Nations Service Group.

“Our clients love that we are a full-service firm that can handle virtually any issue presented across Indian Country. Our attorneys have a collective pride and deep commitment to all our clients, regardless of practice groups.”

According to Adam Cote, chair of the Drummond Woodsum Energy Practice, “Addressing energy development needs, especially in the continually evolving field of Renewable Energy in Indian Country, requires deep collaboration between so many Subject Matter Experts, we took a long hard look at our stable of attorneys and recognized that we had all the requisite legal experts to tackle any energy development matter on and off Tribal land.”

The Renewable energy projects that the firm has been engaged to work on are indeed a testament to the breadth of knowledge of the firm and client trust. Aside from the numerous projects the firm is handling across the Northeast, on and off tribal land, the firm is working on countless other energy projects across Indian Country. From a multinational blue hydrogen pipeline to six utility-scale solar fields in the Southwest, two more in the Northwest, and seven more in current development with clients.

“Its amazing the level of inquiries we are getting from word of mouth. Every day, it seems that we are running a new conflict check on Energy Development.” Said Joe Sarcinella, Co-Chair of the Tribal Nations Service Group and firm lead for the Flagstaff, Arizona Office. Sarcinella Joined the firm nearly four years ago after more than a decade working across Indian Country and Washington DC.

In conclusion, the $32 million solar and battery storage microgrid project for the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians is more than a significant milestone; it’s a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the unwavering dedication of Drummond Woodsum’s practice groups. This project exemplifies our firm’s commitment to advancing energy sovereignty and supporting sustainable development in Indian Country. As we continue to handle complex energy projects across the nation, our collective expertise and deep-seated client relationships remain our greatest assets. At Drummond Woodsum, we are proud of the impactful work we do and the trust our clients place in us, reinforcing our role as a leader in both energy development and tribal advocacy.