Projects

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PROBLEM

With carbon constraints on the horizon, research into the legal issues of carbon sequestration was not keeping up with developments in science and technology.

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SMG'S APPROACH

SMG worked with the Department of Energy Development and Independence to develop a review of the potential legal issues. Following a presentation at the Governor’s Conference on the Environment, a workgroup was established to study the potential issues and make recommendations. Stakeholders across the Commonwealth met several times to engage on the issue and created a report on the consensus findings of the workgroup. Sara Smith with SMG chaired the workgroup and was one of the primary authors of the report.

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RESULTS

path forward that makes sense and has substantial support across the various stakeholder interest has been developed to help guide policy decisions.

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PROBLEM

How can a busy manager keep up with what is about to happen in regulation development or new legislation?

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SMG'S APPROACH

Scott R. Smith leads the effort to keep SMG’s clients up to speed on new developments that can help – or hurt – their businesses. During state legislative sessions, SMG provides an email update on bills introduced and moving through the process. We also track federal legislation to help our clients stay ahead of the curve.

As regulations are posted (or rumored) for development or change, SMG provides notice to clients who may be impacted. We work with the regulatory agency to provide input and comments on proposed regulations to be sure they are helpful and clear. Additionally, we provide “RegWatch”, an emailed update on important legislative and regulatory proposals, to clients who want to stay up to date.

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RESULTS

SMG has been able to be at the table in the development of legislation for identified and registered legislative lobbying clients. Our input has helped improve our client’s position and we have been able to successfully defend important programs and build better and more beneficial legislation.

Because regulatory development is a regular and continuing process, our constant monitoring keeps our clients engaged with changes that will impact their work.

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PROBLEM

An energy project developer needed help in demonstrating to investors that the state of Kentucky is strongly supportive of the development of his project. While substantial legislation had already been passed creating tax incentives, the investors were looking for additional evidence of support.

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SMG'S APPROACH

SMG utilized its knowledge of the legislative process and the emphasis that has been placed on energy issues in the past several years to encourage the adoption of a joint resolution in support of the development of energy projects similar to the proposed facility. In doing so, SMG was able to inform and educate pivotal legislators about the proposed project.

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RESULTS

The developer was able to show its potential investors that the state legislature is firmly supportive of the development of energy projects. In addition, the investors recognized that the developer, through its relationship with SMG, is well connected to the legislative process and able to accomplish what it sets out to do.

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PROBLEM

Regulation Development

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SMG'S APPROACH

SMG kept the association informed of the regulations as they moved through the process. SMG met repeatedly with the Division of Water to review the potential changes as they were developed. In addition, SMG met with EPA Region IV Water Managers to determine the directives EPA might be seeking to accomplish with the changes to Kentucky’s program. We were at the table in every stakeholder meeting and in numerous conversations about the direction of the new regulations.

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RESULTS

SMG was able to have the concerns of the building trades and construction industry heard in the regulatory development process. We continue to keep the association fully informed so they can educate their membership on the coming changes. SMG’s efforts helped keep the terms of the general storm water construction permits within the ability of the construction industry to comply while supporting the ongoing efforts to keep our surface waters clean.