Terresa M. Bakner

Terresa Bakner represents clients in permitting, administrative and enforcement proceedings before State and federal agencies, such as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Department of Public Service, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and OSHA, among others. Ms. Bakner assists in obtaining land use approvals for commercial, industrial, residential and energy projects and represents clients in projects involving brownfield redevelopment, wetlands laws and regulations, protection of endangered species and critical habitats, and the preservation of archaeological and historic resources.

REPRESENTATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

•Represents energy companies before the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the United States Army Corps of Engineers in obtaining the necessary permits and approvals for hydrogen fuel cell manufacturing, solar and wind farms and gas transmission projects in New York. Represented municipalities in the Article 10 process before the Public Service Commission and the N.Y.S. Siting Boards. Many of these projects require extensive local, regional, state and federal environmental review under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and the National Environmental Policy Act, and related statutes such as Articles 7 and 10 of the N.Y.S. Public Service Law. Assisted in addressing historic and archeological issues before the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
•Advised the developer of a major projects throughout New York, with respect to compliance with federal, State and local environmental and land use laws. Assisted with the development of an Environmental Impact Statement for such projects. Addressed issues concerning State-owned lands, navigable waterways, parkland alienation, archeological and historic resources, including the negotiation of Letters of Resolution and Memoranda of Agreement and wetland mitigation permitting and design.
•Represented project sponsors in the development of millions of square feet of distribution centers including environmental reviews, obtaining land use approvals, economic incentives and PILOT agreements.
•Represented municipalities on diverse environmental, planning and energy issues including development of a regional water supply, establishment of sewer and water districts, adoption of solid waste management plans, continued operation of a hydroelectric facility, adoption of local legislation protecting regional aquifers and mining issues, and development of Brownfields projects and obtaining federal and State funds for such projects.
•Obtained wetlands and other environmental permits for residential, municipal, and industrial clients. Also assisted regional commercial shopping centers throughout the State in obtaining such permits. These permits were negotiated with the involved State and federal agencies, enabling the developers to commence construction without resorting to protracted and expensive administrative or judicial proceedings.
•Routinely represents clients before federal and State agencies in obtaining permits and resolving enforcement actions regarding alleged violations of environmental and health and safety laws, such as those protecting wetlands, streams, and other natural resources.

BACKGROUND/EDUCATION

•Albany Law School of Union University (J.D., 1987)
•Pennsylvania State University (B.A., 1984)