Practical Legal Support for a Complex, Growing Industry
The biogas industry is evolving rapidly, driven by dynamically changing climate policy, technological advancements, and increasing demand for renewable fuels. Whether you’re developing anaerobic digesters, upgrading biogas to RNG, supplying utilities, or producing renewable electricity or fuel, you’re working in a technically complex, capital-intensive, and heavily regulated field.
That’s why legal guidance is essential at every stage. However, hiring a full-time in-house counsel may not be the best option, especially if you’re still growing, scaling, or managing variable workloads.
Enter Avisen Legal’s Outside General Counsel (OGC) model. We provide access to experienced legal support on a flexible, appropriately scaled basis. For biogas developers, producers, and technology providers, it’s a smart way to remain protected, compliant, and well-positioned for growth, without overextending resources.
1. Legal Leadership Without the Full-Time Cost
Hiring an in-house attorney requires salary, benefits, and long-term commitments. Most biogas companies simply do not need the significant financial burden and long-term commitment that comes with hiring a full-time attorney. An OGC delivers senior-level legal guidance precisely when and how you need it, maximizing value and flexibility without unnecessary overhead, making it an ideal choice for growth-focused biogas companies.
2. Industry Experience That Matters
Biogas projects involve complex legal matters – like feedstock agreements, utility interconnection, LCFS credits, RFS compliance, tax equity structures, and more – and you need an attorney who understands the industry.
Unlike many law firms that have recently entered the biogas arena, Avisen Legal has extensive, long-standing experience in RNG projects, providing unparalleled understanding of the industry’s policies, key players, and common pitfalls. Our seasoned OGC professionals step in with zero learning curve, immediately enhancing your project’s legal efficiency and effectiveness.
3. Scalable Legal Support Through Every Phase
Biogas projects and companies evolve significantly, from early-stage permitting and land acquisition to complex construction agreements, intricate tax incentive planning, and strategic long-term contracts. Avisen Legal’s deep understanding of the biogas industry enables us to anticipate and respond to the unique challenges and opportunities at every stage of project development and business growth. With our tailored OGC services, you benefit from continuous, informed, and proactive legal and operational guidance—ensuring no gaps and no lag time.
4. Stronger Contracts, Less Risk
Whether securing a long-term feedstock supply or structuring an RNG purchase agreement with a utility, your contracts serve as your foundation. An OGC ensures they are airtight, balanced, and aligned with your operational and financial goals, protecting you from future disputes or regulatory issues.
5. Regulatory Compliance You Can Trust
Biogas-to-energy companies operate under a complex mix of federal, state, and local regulations. The rules change frequently, from the EPA and FERC to public utility commissions and carbon credit programs. Because many Avisen Legal attorneys are deeply involved in the biogas industry, we track regulatory changes as they occur. This means we’re already informed, enabling your OGC to promptly advise you on compliance strategies and help you avoid costly mistakes or enforcement actions.
6. Tax Credit and Incentive Strategy
Biogas projects often rely heavily on state incentives, clean fuel programs, tax credits, and other complex financial structures. Our OGC attorneys have deep, firsthand knowledge of these frameworks, enabling us to craft and execute strategies uniquely tailored to your project’s specific goals and operational needs while benefiting from the incentives available. We continuously monitor and quickly adapt to changing regulations, ensuring you maximize available financial benefits while staying compliant and minimizing risks.
7. Support for M&A and Joint Ventures
The legal complexity of biogas projects increases when raising capital, forming a joint venture, or acquiring another facility. An OGC can lead the legal side of due diligence, structure the deal, negotiate terms, and collaborate with tax and finance teams to ensure a smooth closure, on time and with confidence.
8. Dispute Management and Litigation Oversight
Disagreements can arise over performance, pricing, delivery timelines, or land use. An OGC manages disputes before they escalate and, when litigation is unavoidable, helps you select and manage outside litigation counsel, control costs, and align legal strategy with your business priorities.
9. Fast, Informed Decision-Making
You don’t want to start from scratch when time-sensitive legal issues arise, such as negotiating a term sheet, resolving a contract dispute, or responding to a regulatory inquiry. Avisen’s OGCs already know your business, we’ve seen these situations before, and we can move quickly with context and confidence to help you make the right choice for your business.
10. A Long-Term Legal Partner, Not Just a Vendor
A strong OGC doesn’t just provide legal answers—we bring a deep understanding of your operations, your risk tolerance, and your long-term goals. We’re not an outside vendor; we’re embedded in your team, actively supporting strategic decision-making and helping you avoid pitfalls before they arise. As your company grows or pivots, we’re right there with you, adjusting our guidance and support to meet your evolving needs and keep your momentum strong.
Bottom Line
Biogas-to-energy businesses encounter a unique legal landscape—part renewable energy, part infrastructure, and part environmental regulation. Engaging an Outside General Counsel provides the legal strength needed to operate swiftly, remain compliant, and grow strategically, without the burden of a full-time legal department.
Avisen Legal helps biogas companies navigate that landscape every day.
We’re here to support you if you’re looking for experienced, flexible legal guidance tailored to your industry.
