Why It Matters
Intersect Power’s decision to hire Holland & Knight LLP marks the clean energy company’s formal entry into federal lobbying.
Data center electricity demand from AI is projected to surge dramatically, creating urgent pressure to accelerate renewable energy and battery storage development. Intersect Power’s lobbying team combines complementary expertise: Beth Ann Viola brings deep renewable energy experience, while James William Noe contributes energy permitting knowledge. This dual approach suggests the company is positioning itself to influence multiple policy levers simultaneously.
By the Numbers
Intersect Power LLC retained Holland & Knight LLP for federal lobbying, effective April 18, 2024. The team consists of:
- Beth Ann Viola: Veteran lobbyist with extensive renewable energy and environmental regulation experience
- James William Noe: Background in offshore oil and gas policy and energy permitting frameworks
The registration indicates lobbying on "energy project development and related policies." This represents the company’s formal debut in federal advocacy, with no previous lobbying activity reported.
The Agenda
Intersect Power is lobbying on "energy project development and related policies," though specific legislation targets weren’t disclosed. The timing suggests focus on bills to expedite generator interconnection, streamline federal lands permitting, and create clean energy financing mechanisms—all directly impacting the company’s utility-scale solar, battery storage, and green hydrogen development.
Broader Context
Congress is actively debating energy infrastructure legislation impacting clean energy companies. The Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 seeks to streamline renewable energy permitting and accelerate interconnection timelines. Meanwhile, AI data centers could drive power consumption from 4 gigawatts in 2024 to 123 gigawatts by 2035.
Grid interconnection backlogs currently stretch seven years in some regions, making permitting reform essential. The convergence of AI-driven electricity demand, federal permitting initiatives, and grid modernization creates a favorable moment for establishing Washington presence.
Between The Lines
Key legislation includes the Energy Permitting Reform Act, which accelerates renewable energy permitting on federal lands and increases the Department of Interior’s renewable permitting goal from 25 to 50 gigawatts by 2030. Additionally, FERC’s Order 2023 implemented generator interconnection reforms, transitioning to "first-ready, first-served" cluster studies to address queue backlogs.
Competitive Landscape
Intersect Power enters a crowded advocacy space with numerous renewable energy organizations already lobbying heavily on permitting and interconnection issues. This competitive environment reflects high stakes as multiple actors compete for influence over federal permitting timelines and interconnection queue access—both critical to project success in the rapidly growing AI-driven electricity market.
The Bottom Line
Intersect Power’s Holland & Knight hiring signals the company is capitalizing on a narrow window for federal energy policy influence. With Congress debating permitting reform and AI creating unprecedented electricity demand, the company needs sophisticated advocacy to differentiate itself in a crowded field.
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