Geothermal Energy Attorney in Houston, Texas 

In recent decades, geothermal energy has become one of the most critical energy sources and also one of the key areas of development in many countries across the globe. Geothermal energy offers a virtually limitless amount of heat generated by the Earth’s core. However, the extraction and use of geothermal energy are strictly regulated by international and federal laws in the United States.  

With extensive experience in working on development projects and understanding the regulation of geothermal energy, I help clients mitigate legal risks and protect them from potential legal problems when working on geothermal projects. As a geothermal energy attorney at Deborah Hubbs, Attorney & Counselor at Law, PLLC, I advise clients on geothermal projects in Houston, Texas, and surrounding counties, including Montgomery, Harris, and Fort Bend. 

Understanding Geothermal Energy   

Geothermal energy is a type of renewable energy that involves deriving heat from the Earth’s core. Basically, geothermal energy is extracted from thermal sources that originate below the Earth’s solid surface. The energy is stored in the rocks and fluids deep underground.  

Geothermal energy offers a number of advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages are the longevity and reliability of geothermal infrastructure, a small land footprint, and the availability of this renewable source of energy. The disadvantages are high investment costs and the fact that geothermal energy is location-dependent.  

Geothermal energy has been used by many countries for thousands of years. The primary uses of geothermal energy have always been heating and cooking. However, an ever-increasing number of businesses and governments have become interested in using geothermal energy to generate electricity.  

Many countries around the world have developed different methods for extracting geothermal energy and putting it to their own use. Geothermal energy is not the same everywhere as different types of this renewable source of energy are found in different parts of the world.   

Environmental Effects and Economic Costs of Geothermal Energy 

Although geothermal energy may be a more environmentally-friendly source of energy compared to other sources, it still has some negative environmental effects. Some of the negative impacts of geothermal energy on the environment include: 

• Changes in land due to the construction and exploration of plants 

• The noise and sight pollution associated with geothermal energy production 

• The discharge of gases and water 

• Soil subsidence, the magnitude of which varies greatly between fields 

However, many of the negative environmental effects associated with geothermal energy can be mitigated with technology solutions that are widely available to those who work on geothermal projects. Many entities and governments are reluctant to invest in the construction of facilities and infrastructure and exploration of locations with underground energy resources because of the high initial investment costs.  

What Is Your Attorney’s Role? 

The energy sector is one of the most regulated areas. Hiring an experienced attorney may become a necessary step to avoid legal pitfalls and uncertainties when navigating regulatory complexities. When you hire an attorney, your attorney’s role will be to explain how different regulations apply to your particular mission and goals. Some of the applicable regulations may come from the: 

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 

• U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 

• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 

Each of these may impact renewable energy projects. I have decades of experience assisting clients involved in geothermal energy projects with all of the following: 

• Due diligence process 

• Project financing 

• Project development 

• Construction of facilities 

• Recruitment 

• Mergers and acquisitions 

• Venture structuring  

• Tax problems 

• Compliance with regulations  

• Land use and permissions 

• Licenses 

• Drafting projects 

• Resolution of legal disputes 

• Litigation 

As a geothermal energy attorney at Deborah Hubbs, Attorney & Counselor at Law, PLLC, I work with investors, developers, entrepreneurs, independent producers and contractors, private equity firms, and even governments involved in geothermal energy projects. If you are considering entering the geothermal energy industry (or are already part of it), reach out to my office in Houston, Texas, to discuss your legal concerns and find out how I can help you in your particular situation.  

Litigation in Geothermal Energy  

The geothermal energy industry involves a number of potential legal issues that may eventually lead to litigation. Some of the common causes of legal disputes and litigation in the geothermal energy industry include: 

• Government and regulatory concerns 

• Financing problems 

• Property and land disputes 

• Disputes over permissions, consents, and licenses 

• Performance-related issues 

• Disputes over the pricing or supply of raw materials 

These are not the legal concerns associated with geothermal projects that I have seen firsthand in my practice as a geothermal energy attorney in Houston, Texas. If you are working on a geothermal project, I can help you resolve your litigation matters and protect your best interests in disputes involving geothermal energy.