Energy law attorney Jim Gardner presented important information on solar power across the Commonwealth and moderated a Policy Outlook panel at the Kentucky Solar & Storage Summit: An Economic Development Outlook on February 13, 2023 in Frankfort. The Summit provided an opportunity for policymakers, local government officials, business leaders and others to learn more about Kentucky’s growing clean energy industry.

Jim brings to Sturgill Turner more than two decades of energy law experience in both private practice and the public sector, and has been active nationally on clean energy issues. He served as Chair of NARUC’s Energy and Environment Committee and its Task Force on the Clean Power Plan. Along with fellow Sturgill Turner attorney Todd Osterloh, Jim filed the first applications requesting construction certificates for utility scale solar projects in Kentucky with the Kentucky State Board on Electric Generation and Transmission Siting, which have been approved and are in final negotiations. Jim and Todd represent the first and so far only large scale project to break ground in Kentucky.

Jim spent eight years on the Kentucky Public Service Commission, serving as Chairman from 2015-2016 and Vice-Chairman from 2008-2015. During his time with the PSC, Jim chaired hearings and public meetings involving such matters as rate increases, fuel adjustment cases, environmental plans and certificates of public convenience and necessity. He developed a keen interest in energy efficiency, demand side management and clean energy sources, such as utility scale solar.

Learn more about our energy law practice at sturgillturner.com/utilities