Renewable energy developers and clean technology entrepreneurs are all very much alive in this financial swirl. The state of play is that government mandates for state-wide renewable portfolio standards, regional carbon reduction schemes, and regulatory incentives and tax credits are still in place despite Wall Street new normal. This is why your business hub should be the one you or your professional counsel is most comfortable operating in in terms of understanding the tenants of the jurisdiction. Sometimes people underestimated the due diligence required for market metric and the financial risks permitting, and regulatory structures place on project developers and new ventures. To be certain, banks are being conservative and the equity folks are putting all under a microscope. So, before you finalize your business plan for publication, be sure to button down your knowledge of the regulatory market in which you wish your enterprise to operate. In times like these, any reason to deny your request for investment will be a good one.

Vincent DeVito is a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Energy and federal and state Energy Regulator, and currently is an Energy and Climate Change Attorney residing in Bowditch & Dewey, LLP's Boston office. vdevito@bowditch.com

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