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Barbara J. Koonz
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Barbara practices at the intersection of energy, infrastructure, and environmental law. She provides strategic representation to a full spectrum of energy industry stakeholders, from traditional power generation and LNG facilities to data center developers and renewable energy investors.

As a highly tactical advisor, Barbara seeks to address and mitigate the risks associated with complex projects. She guides clients through the labyrinth of state and federal environmental permitting, including Clean Air Act (Title V) air compliance, NJPDES, and CAFRA approvals. With over three decades of experience, she is a formidable negotiator in enforcement actions involving the EPA, NJDEP, and NJBPU, and frequently serves as New Jersey local counsel for national law firms navigating the state's unique ISRA and Environmental Justice (EJ) mandates.

In the renewable sector, Barbara facilitates the development of solar, agrivoltaic, and battery storage facilities. She manages the entire transactional lifecycle, from securing solar development incentives to negotiating interconnection agreements with PJM. Her expertise extends to the "heavy lifting" of infrastructure development, including the drafting of EPC and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and the acquisition of complex energy rights-of-way.

Barbara also serves as a resource for the solid waste and soil recycling sectors. She provides incisive counsel on the commercial and regulatory complexities of A-901 licensure, helping vendors and investors navigate the rigorous background checks and CPCN requirements essential for operating in New Jersey.

Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Bar Admissions

  • New Jersey, 1989
  • U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey, 1989
  • Pennsylvania, 2007
  • Florida, 2012

Education

  • Seton Hall University School of Law, J.D., 1989
  • University of Pennsylvania, 1985, Graduate Studies in Hydrogeology
  • Franklin & Marshall College, B.A., 1983
  • New Jersey State Bar Association; Corporate Sustainability, Cleantech, and Climate Change Special Committee, Member and past Co-Chair; Public Utility Law Section; Environmental Law Section
  • NAIOP New Jersey; Board of Trustees
  • New Jersey Builders Association, Environmental Affairs Committee
  • New Jersey Women Lawyers Association
  • Rutgers Center for Urban Environmental Sustainability Brownfield Redevelopment Task Force (former Member)
  • Appointed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey to serve on the New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program (NJLAP) Board of Trustees
  • American Bar Association, Section of Environment, Energy and Resources
  • Energy Bar Association
  • Florida Bar Association
  • As an advocate for public safety, Barbara is the former chair and serves on the Middlesex County ASAP Board for the rehabilitation and re-entry of drug dependent inmates.

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