Kapla Law PLLC

Kathleen Kapla

EDUCATION

  • J.D., cum laude, Lewis & Clark Law School (2003)
    Editor-in-Chief, Environmental Law
    Natural Resource and Environmental Law Certificate
  • B.A., University of Washington (1993)

ADMISSIONS

  • State Bar of Washington
  • State Bar of Oregon

Kathleen represents renewable energy developers and landowners in the negotiation of project site control agreements. She also advises renewable energy project sponsors and financing parties on federal environmental laws and permitting compliance.

In support of transactions relating to the development, operation, transfer, and finance of renewable energy and infrastructure projects, Kathleen advises lenders and project developers on key issues for the successful development and long-term operation of renewable energy projects under the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, and other laws. She regularly represents clients in conducting due diligence investigations into compliance with federal environmental laws and their state counterparts, including those related to hazardous materials, wetlands, waters of the United States, protected species, hazards to air navigation, zoning, and air quality.

  • Co-Presenter, "Negotiating Site Control Agreements for Renewable Energy Projects,” Agricultural Law in the Northwest, The Seminar Group, Hood River Oregon, July 2022.
  • Co-Presenter, "Negotiating Site Control Agreements for Renewable Energy Projects,” Pacific Northwest Timberlands Management, The Seminar Group, Portland, Oregon, March 2022.
  • Co-Presenter, "Solar Leases on Agricultural Lands,” Oregon State Bar Agricultural Law Section CLE, 2021.
  • Co-Presenter, “Homeowners Associations and Solar PV Installations: Laws, Guidance, and Model Resolutions for HOAs in Washington and Oregon,” Solar Washington General Meeting, March 2015.
  • Co-Presenter, "Understanding the Uncertainty of Wind Rights," Realtors Land Institute, 2012 National Land Conference, Denver, CO, March 2012.
  • Poster Presenter, "When Good Land Rights Go Bad: Emerging Issues in Wind Energy Land Agreements," AWEA Windpower 2009, Chicago, Illinois, May 2009.
  • Co-Presenter, "Financing Small Biofuels Projects," Making Renewable Energy Projects Happen, Portland, Oregon, Apr. 2008.
  • Co-Presenter, "Emerging Trends in Biofuels Finance," American Bar Association (ABA) Business Section Meeting, Dallas, Texas, Apr. 2008.
  • Co-Presenter, "Overcoming Multi-jurisdictional Hurdles in Siting and Permitting Ocean and Tidal Energy Projects (Or, 'Dude, That's My Wave')," POWER-GEN Renewable Energy and Fuels, Las Vegas, Nevada, Feb. 2008.
  • Moderator, "Clean Energy on the Vine," Harvesting Clean Energy Conference VIII, Portland, Oregon, Jan. 2008.
  • “Solar Power Purchase Agreements – A Toolkit for Local Governments,” co-author, Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), Mar. 2015.
  • "Minimizing Overlap in PV System Approval Process: Case Studies and Analysis," co-author, Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), Oct. 2013.
  • White Paper, "Financing Solar PV at Government Sites with PPAs and Public Debt," researcher and contributor, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Dec. 2011.
  • "Considerations for Negotiating Wind Project Land Agreements," co-author, North American Windpower Magazine (April 2011).
  • "Severing Wind Rights Raises Legal Issues," co-author, North American Windpower Magazine (October 2010).
  • "Wind Energy Lease Agreements," co-author, Chapter 1, The Law of Wind (Vols. 3, 4, and 5), Stoel Rives LLP.
  • "Solar Project Property Rights," co-author, Chapter 1, Lex Helius: The Law of Solar Energy (Vol. 1), Stoel Rives LLP.
  • "Wind Advisory," co-author, Los Angeles Lawyer, Magazine of Los Angeles County Bar Assoc., Jan. 2008.
  • ESA Incidental Take Authorizations, co-author, Oregon Insider Issue #360, Jan. 2005.