Mr. Harris focuses his practice on the intersection of law, business and government. He has significant experience working with clients on environmental, energy, economic development and various other government affairs matters.
He has provided advice and counsel to clients on various energy projects and proceedings, including permitting fossil fuel and renewable power generating facilities, permitting transmission cable projects, selling and purchasing regulated assets, and developing strategies for deploying sources of alternative and renewable energy.
John leads an energy team with a broad array of clients in various industries including solar, wind, hydrogen, fuel cells, battery storage, renewable natural gas, battery electric vehicle and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The team actively represents clients at the state legislature and works with the New York State Energy and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the Department of Public Service on a regular basis.
Mr. Harris has counseled clients in connection with large hazardous waste remediation's, violations of the state’s environmental conservation regulations, negotiated consent orders with the Department of Environmental Conservation(DEC), and assisted with applying to DEC for eligibility in New York’s Brownfield Tax Credit Program.
He also works with clients in connection with proposed regulations and agency guidelines. He has advised insurers, computer companies, real estate developers, utilities and energy companies on pending legislation and rulemaking in New York.
Mr. Harris advises clients on developing bids and proposals for government contracts, and in negotiating and drafting final contract provisions. His legislative and procurement experience includes advising clients with respect to lobbying law, state finance law and ethics issues. A significant part of his practice focuses on counseling clients contracting with or seeking financing or financial assistance from various agencies and authorities in the State of New York, including the MTA, the Office of General Services, the Empire State Development Corporation, the New York State Thruway Authority, the New York State Department of Transportation, the New York State Homes and Community Renewal, NYPA and NYSERDA.
A 1989 graduate of Amherst College with a B.A. in economics, Mr. Harris received his law degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1992, where he was on the law review and graduated cum laude.
Mr. Harris serves on the Board of Directors of the Capitalize Albany Corporation, the Center for Economic Growth, and is a former member of the Board of the Albany Convention Center Authority.
