Kodi J. Verhalen

Kodi Verhalen is a Partner in the Energy practice group and is licensed in Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. She also is licensed as a professional engineer in Minnesota and served as the 2016-2017 president of the National Society of Professional Engineers – a 31,000-member organization. Kodi was the youngest person, and the third woman, in the organization’s history to hold the office of president. In the ten years Kodi has practiced energy and environmental law at Taft, she has established an impressive reputation, drives business, and is widely regarded as a top-notch lawyer and key figure in the firm. 

Before joining Taft, Kodi worked in the environmental services department of a Minnesota electric utility company in the areas of hazardous and universal waste compliance, greenhouse gas reporting, ISO 14001 compliance, stormwater pollution prevention for linear transmission projects, and local, state and federal permitting for transmission projects.

Clients rely on Kodi’s broad experience in energy and environmental matters at the federal, state, and local levels. She regularly presents on various topics, including natural resource law issues, environmental liability in real estate transactions, and ethics related to professional engineering licensure.

• Coordinated local and regulatory opinions for the financing of a $400 million natural gas generating facility acquisition.
• Coordinated local and regulatory opinions for a construction term loan and tax equity bridge for a nearly $200 million solar facility financing.
• Guided clients through various need and siting/routing permit processes for electric infrastructure. Prepared witnesses related public and evidentiary hearings, drafted testimony, and appeared on behalf of applicants.
• Guided client through local review permit process in lieu of seeking Commission approval for small 115 kV transmission projects.
• Represented power generation entity regarding the design and construction projects using various project delivery systems including EPC, design, supply, furnish, and install.
• Guided client through routing and permitting of 13-mile natural gas pipeline, including drafting of application, comments, testimony, and briefs; preparing witnesses for meetings and hearings; and appearing on behalf of client.
• Counseled client on requirements to obtain a Take Permit under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Assisted Client in obtaining said permit.
• Counseled clients on environmental matters associated with corporate mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.
• Guided clients through state-level public utility rate reviews including developing overall strategy, drafting witness pre-filed testimony, participating in contested case hearings, drafting briefs, and participating in related appeals.
• Managed multi-state portfolio of discontinued operations locations through allocation, environmental remediation, and post-closure care.
• Represented a group of companies, as common counsel, related to remediation of a federal Superfund site.
• Guided clients through self-reporting of environmental violations, state and federal enforcement actions, and new owners’ environmental audit policy issues.
• Counseled client on conflict of interest issues related to signed agreements and obligations with respect to professional engineer licenses.