Jenner & Block Partnership Boosts Solar Energy Production in DC
News
April 20, 2022
The Washington, DC, region’s largest urban solar array is coming to The Catholic University of America, after years of collaboration between the University and a cross-practice Jenner & Block team committed to combating climate change.
The array, sited on more than 40 acres in Northeast DC, will generate approximately 10,000 megawatt hours of renewable energy annually, saving 7.115 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year. That’s the equivalent of removing 1,547 cars from the road annually or eliminating the carbon dioxide emissions from more than 800,000 gallons of gasoline.
Construction will begin this summer and after its expected completion in spring of 2023, the solar array will be a significant contributor towards the District’s goal of using 100% renewable energy by 2032. Catholic University students will access the site for energy production research and local K-12 students will have STEM field trip opportunities to learn about sustainability, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship.
Beginning as a pro bono project in 2019, Jenner & Block worked with University leaders for more than two years to determine the feasibility of the project and find the right developer. Since 2021, our team has advised on contract, interconnection, and permit issues, was instrumental in obtaining approval from the DC Zoning Commission, and resolved multiple tax and bond issues, making the project financially beneficial to the University.
The result? An all-around win in the battle against climate change – for the environment, DC residents, and the University.
The cross-practice team on this climate change project includes Partners Suedeen G. Kelly, Geoffrey M. Davis, Michelle M. McAtee, Alexander J. May, and Gail H. Morse and Associates Marjorie R. Kennedy and Zachary B. Cohen.
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© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.
News
April 20, 2022
The Washington, DC, region’s largest urban solar array is coming to The Catholic University of America, after years of collaboration between the University and a cross-practice Jenner & Block team committed to combating climate change.
The array, sited on more than 40 acres in Northeast DC, will generate approximately 10,000 megawatt hours of renewable energy annually, saving 7.115 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year. That’s the equivalent of removing 1,547 cars from the road annually or eliminating the carbon dioxide emissions from more than 800,000 gallons of gasoline.
Construction will begin this summer and after its expected completion in spring of 2023, the solar array will be a significant contributor towards the District’s goal of using 100% renewable energy by 2032. Catholic University students will access the site for energy production research and local K-12 students will have STEM field trip opportunities to learn about sustainability, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship.
Beginning as a pro bono project in 2019, Jenner & Block worked with University leaders for more than two years to determine the feasibility of the project and find the right developer. Since 2021, our team has advised on contract, interconnection, and permit issues, was instrumental in obtaining approval from the DC Zoning Commission, and resolved multiple tax and bond issues, making the project financially beneficial to the University.
The result? An all-around win in the battle against climate change – for the environment, DC residents, and the University.
The cross-practice team on this climate change project includes Partners Suedeen G. Kelly, Geoffrey M. Davis, Michelle M. McAtee, Alexander J. May, and Gail H. Morse and Associates Marjorie R. Kennedy and Zachary B. Cohen.
Related Attorneys
Related Capabilities
Related Locations
© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.
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