Blog

Energy & Climate Counsel

Your one-stop resource for timely analysis of legal and policy developments affecting the energy and climate sectors. We focus on the issues that matter most to you, from federal and state policy and judicial decisions to business trends and financing news.

Rising Cyberattacks on U.S. Water Infrastructure: Federal Guidance and Next Steps for Operators
Blog August 17, 2026
Rising Cyberattacks on U.S. Water Infrastructure: Federal Guidance and Next Steps for Operators
Recent guidance issued by Federal agencies warns that malicious cyber actors are targeting internet-facing operational technology (“OT”) used by water and wastewater utilities, particularly PLCs…
FERC Issues Proposed Rules to Enhance Grid Cybersecurity Reliability Standards
Blog September 30, 2024
FERC Issues Proposed Rules to Enhance Grid Cybersecurity Reliability Standards
Cyberattacks on U.S. energy infrastructure have been on the rise in 2024…
U.S. Department of Energy Releases Cybersecurity Baselines for Utilities and DERs
Blog March 06, 2024
U.S. Department of Energy Releases Cybersecurity Baselines for Utilities and DERs
As part of the Biden Administration’s efforts to align energy cybersecurity efforts across the country, the U.S. Department of Energy has funded the release of a set of energy distribution cybersecurity baselines for entities participating in the nationwide grid transition…
Climate Law Matters: Energy & Climate Newsletter – June 2023
Blog June 26, 2023
Climate Law Matters: Energy & Climate Newsletter – June 2023
Not too long ago, before the Biden-Harris administration, many of us asked ourselves whether offshore wind would ever become a reality in the United States. Today, we have two projects under construction having reached major milestones, with large scale components…
Physical and Cyber-Attacks on Energy Infrastructure Expected to Continue
Blog May 03, 2023
Physical and Cyber-Attacks on Energy Infrastructure Expected to Continue
Over the past several years, the energy sector has become a prime target for hacking and ransomware attacks, with over 40 attacks on the industry since 2017.  Cyber attacks have only continued to rise, with a record high of 13 reported attacks in one year occurring in 2022. Physical Security Threats to U.S. Energy Infrastructure A new type of threat against the energy sector crystallized at the end of 2022: physical attacks on the grid…
CISA, FBI, and DOE Release Joint Cybersecurity Advisory in Light of Increased Threats to Energy Sector's Cybersecurity
Blog April 21, 2022
CISA, FBI, and DOE Release Joint Cybersecurity Advisory in Light of Increased Threats to Energy Sector's Cybersecurity
On March 24, 2022, the Department of Justice unsealed two indictments charging four Russian government employees in two hacking campaigns that targeted critical infrastructure in the energy sector.  We cover these indictments in depth here.  Concurrently, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Energy (DOE) jointly published a Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) relating to the hacks…
US Unseals Indictments of Four Russian Government Employees in Connection with Cyber Attacks on Energy Sector
Blog April 21, 2022
US Unseals Indictments of Four Russian Government Employees in Connection with Cyber Attacks on Energy Sector
The United States Department of Justice unsealed two indictments in March involving four Russian government employees who have been charged in connection with two separate hacking conspiracies targeting the global energy sector.  These campaigns took place between 2012 and 2018 and affected thousands of computers, hundreds of organizations, and approximately 135 countries. These indictments were unsealed just days after President Joe Biden publicly warned US business executives that Russia…
Ransomware: The Latest Threat to the Nation's Energy Supply
Blog December 17, 2020
Ransomware: The Latest Threat to the Nation's Energy Supply
According to media reports, ransomware attacks against the manufacturing industry have more than tripled compared with last year. This dramatic rise in cyberattacks poses serious concerns about the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure serving the nation's electric grid and the government has responded with measures designed to thwart any such efforts. In the manufacturing sector, a ransomware attack typically involves blocking access to a victims…
Department of Homeland Security Releases Homeland Threat Assessment
Blog October 23, 2020
Department of Homeland Security Releases Homeland Threat Assessment
On October 6, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) released a 2020 Homeland Threat Assessment (“HTA”).  According to Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf, the “first of its kind report” identifies the primary threats facing the nation and analyzes the vast array of information coming from all DHS operational components that crosses his desk on a daily basis.  “When the American people read this HTA they will be more aware of the traditional threats facing the Homeland like terrorism…
1 of 2

Blog Editors

ABOUT

Foley Hoag’s Energy & Climate Counsel blog aims to be your one-stop resource for timely analysis of legal and policy developments affecting the energy and climate sectors. We focus on the issues that matter most to our readers, from federal and state policy and judicial decisions to business trends and financing news.

Our authors, comprised of attorneys from the firm’s Energy & Climate practice, have been active in the energy and climate space for decades, counseling clients across the spectrum – from new, innovative technology companies to large utility-scale power projects. Recognizing early on the common concerns of the renewable and traditional energy fields, we established one of the first integrated practices to serve all segments of the energy and clean technology sectors. We believe this tight integration provides us with the insight to analyze the pressing issues, trends and opportunities that those in this industry have come to expect.

Related Services

Our fluency in healthcare laws and policy helps us to help our clients develop successful strategies for navigating the complex health care environment. Learn more about our practices and focus areas within the healthcare industry:

Industry
Energy & Climate
During this era of innovation and disruption across the energy, clean technology and climate industries, we guide clients through a complex and evolving technology, regulatory and financing landscape
Practice
Capital Markets
Our Capital Markets practice covers the full spectrum of securities offerings, helping clients structure transactions and in navigate regulatory requirements to enable clients to obtain necessary funding and exploit market windows from initial funding through exits.
Practice
Global Business & Human Rights
Launched over two decades ago, our Global Business & Human Rights practice was one of the first to help clients implement and advance internationally recognized human rights, social and environmental policies that align with legal requirements and emerging best practices while protecting operations from risk.
Practice
Environmental Permitting & Compliance
Environmental compliance is an essential part of doing business. We provide our clients with legal strategies based on deep knowledge of laws and regulations, and innovative approaches crafted around your business needs.
Practice
Patent Prosecution, Strategy & Management
Our respected patent attorneys, patent agents and technology specialists help clients successfully develop and manage intellectual property to achieve their business goals
Practice
Emerging Company & Venture Capital
Our lawyers have a long track record of partnering with high growth companies and the investors powering the innovation, on their journey from idea to exit.
Practice
Environmental, Social & Governance
Our multi-disciplinary team — comprised of business, litigation, energy, environmental, and human rights advisors — will help you develop and implement an ESG program specifically designed for your organization’s needs. We’ve been doing this since the 1980s, and have the experience and institutional memory to craft impactful and cutting edge ESG strategies.

Blog Editors

Blog Authors

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe to Energy & Climate Counsel

We use cookies to enhance user experience, improve functionality and performance, and for analysis of website traffic. By clicking “accept”, you agree to the use of cookies. For more information about our cookie policy and the information we collect, please review our Privacy Statement.