JeffMarksNew England Public Affairs (NEPA)
Categories: New Business Stimulus Package Town: Portland
$44 billion annual federal funding for 2010 energy and environmental programs! $787 billion in stimulus tax incentives and domestic spending, including for clean energy! $6.7 trillion in climate change revenue and allocations! New initiatives to address energy efficiency, renewable energy, and air, water and waste management on the horizon.
Pennsylvania Avenue and Capitol Hill are the new “Wall Street” with hundreds of billions of dollars surging out of Washington, DC rather than traditional New York financial institutions. The next decade will bring an explosion of new energy and environmental policies and programs at the federal and state levels. Maine and other New England businesses, non-profits, governments and citizens will be directly and indirectly impacted by these activities.
New England Public Affairs (NEPA) is a government affairs and public relations company dedicated to helping businesses, associations, non-profits, local governments and other organizations interpret state and federal government actions, overcome challenges and capture opportunities related to energy, climate change and environmental policy and programs.
NEPA is New England’s link to Washington, DC and your eyes, ears and voice in the nation’s capital and throughout the northeast.
What is the Problem New England Public Affairs (NEPA) is Trying to Solve?
The mosaic of current energy and environmental policies is complex and dynamic, ranging from local, state and regional initiatives to a portfolio of federal policies and programs. For example, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan (a.k.a., Stimulus) provided nearly $800 billion in tax incentives and direct investment for a variety of programs, with a significant portion allocated to renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Maine and New England will benefit from wind, biomass, green building, transportation and other funding opportunities.
Meanwhile, domestic and global energy and climate change policy changes are taking place at a furious pace. Congress is considering several bills and various states and regional coalitions are implementing greenhouse gas emission reduction programs. While some policy changes may be warranted in achieving energy efficiency and pollution reduction targets and goals, others may have negative effects such as diminished competitiveness and high energy prices. The cornerstone of most efforts is an economy-wide, market-driven approach that includes a cap-and-trade program limiting emissions and economic activity and giving away hundreds of billions of dollars to public and private recipients.
In order to influence climate and energy actions, and reap the benefits of significant funding, policy and incentive actions, New England entities need sound and informed advice. NEPA has the policy analysis and advocacy experience to provide New England clients with government affairs and public relations strategy services on stimulus, climate change, energy and other government initiatives.
Much is at stake for New England stakeholders. An improperly designed climate change system could significantly increase producer and consumer costs for electricity, fuels and products and lead to unintended market consequences. Increased regulation of manufacturers, power plants and transportation could present cost and technology problems. On the flip side, strong mandates for clean energy and energy efficient technologies will benefit many New England businesses and projects. And, the potential value of allowances and revenues under a carbon trading system or tax is estimated to be in the hundreds of billions of dollars. “Who gets what, when and how?” is a fundamental question for New England organizations and citizens.
NEPA is well-positioned to take a lead role in helping Maine and other New England stakeholders influence public policy and benefit from its enactment and implementation. NEPA will also play a key role in helping clients promote energy efficiency and reduce negative environmental impacts while providing a stable business climate.
What Products or Services Does New England Public Affairs (NEPA) Offer to Solve the Problem?
NEPA will provide government affairs and public relations services that promote cost-effective and flexible means to operate clients’ organizations. Its experts will work with companies and other organizations to understand and influence state and federal environmental and energy legislative, regulatory and programmatic activities to promote investment in clients’ products, technologies, facilities or policy positions. NEPA public relations experts will develop and execute effective communications, media and event strategies for all types of clients. NEPA clients will acquire information and ideas that will impact their bottom lines, reputations and agendas in a positive manner.
Government Affairs– Champion the interests of business, non-profit, local government and other organization clients in climate change, energy, environmental and other government activities.
Public Relations – Formulate and execute communications, event and media strategies for business, non-profit, local government and other organization clients.
Information and Education Services – Provide ideas, strategies and recommendations on behalf of business, non-profit, local government and other organization clients.
What is New England Public Affairs’ (NEPA’s) Target Market?
The proliferation of climate change, environmental and energy policies and programs will attract clients seeking experts in government affairs, public relations and information and analysis services.
Maine and other New England companies and organizations with specific needs in the environmental, climate change and energy areas will be a growing target market. Prospective clients include the manufacturing, energy provider, technology and buildings sectors as well as associations, public interest groups, campaigns, law and consulting firms and local governments.
While the initial focus will be Maine organizations and their climate change, energy and environmental issues, NEPA is positioned to expand and develop services in other geographic (New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island) and issue (economic development, health care, tax reform) areas.
Why Should Your Customers “Buy” From New England Public Affairs (NEPA)?
NEPA will be successful because it’s the first stand-alone public affairs firm in Maine that services clients with policy, program and political agendas in Washington, DC and the New England states. NEPA will provide a more hands-on, lower-cost government affairs and public relations option to clients as an alternative to broadly-focused law firms and trade associations.
NEPA will work on behalf of its clients to increase investment in and commercialization of their products and services by leveraging government policies, partnerships, incentives, support, information and markets. The firm will monitor government activities and navigate the proliferation of differing federal, state and regional policies. We will manage the costs and risks of legislative and regulatory proposals and advocate for measures that increase demand for New England products and services. NEPA will also assist trade associations, public interest groups and cities and counties that may have time, expertise and resource constraints to examine government activities that may directly or indirectly impact their members’/citizens’ energy costs, operations, products and employees.
As state and regional climate change and energy programs continue to evolve and national legislation and regulations advance, NEPA offers a small, personalized practice to advise clients and develop strategy. Companies, associations, non-profits, consumers and governments will see an increasing need for strategic monitoring, lobbying and public relations services. NEPA will be clients’ “eyes, ears and voice” in Washington, DC and throughout New England.
Who are New England Public Affairs’ (NEPA’s) Competitors?
New England states have traditionally taken a more progressive approach to environmental issues. It is not surprising that traditional law firms are starting to approach these legal and policy issues with enthusiasm. At this time, firms primarily provide legal counsel to industrial consumers, energy project developers and energy service companies on legal and commercial matters on air, water and noise pollution, waste management, chemical regulation and land use controls. Some groups counsel clients on energy and environmental regulatory, litigation and commercial matters, including permitting, development and administrative cases.
The intensifying market for climate change and energy services is prompting expansion into these areas. In New England, the landscape for emerging practices is still relatively fresh and undeveloped, but growing. In Maine, a handful of law firms have energy and/or environmental law practices and one has only recently created a climate change division. NEPA will be the first stand-alone public affairs management firm in Portland that services clients with energy, environmental and climate change policy, program and political agendas in Washington, DC and the New England states.
At this time, Washington, DC law and consulting firms, trade associations and public interest groups are leading the charge with thriving energy, climate change and environmental practices and will be both direct and indirect competitors. While these organizations offer some form of government affairs and public relations services in the climate change and energy arenas, NEPA will provide more personalized and individualized service at a lower cost to Maine and New England entities. Because the issues are so broad and all-encompassing, significant room exists for representation in Washington, DC and New England.
What Inspired You to Get Into This Business?
I recently left Washington, DC to return to my native state of Maine to explore how I can use my experience, contacts and knowledge to help with its energy “renaissance.”
New England is taking action on its own to address climate change and clean energy policies. The region is setting targets for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, adopting policies to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency and developing and implementing climate action plans. For example, Maine is playing a leading, crucial role in promoting low-carbon and energy efficiency solutions through participation in a regional emissions trading program; requiring electric utilities to generate a specified amount of their electricity from renewable sources; establishment of a public benefit fund to support energy efficient projects; incentives for biofuel production and use; green building standards; and a deep commitment to the design, construction and operation of renewable energy wind farms and offshore renewable resources.
The NEPA principals have considerable experience in government affairs and public relations. Jeff Marks directed energy, environmental, health and safety government relations for United Technologies Corporation (UTC), a Fortune 50 company that provides products and services on the cutting edge of the aerospace and building industries. He has worked on all levels of government in various political and policy positions – with a city manager, a state senate president, a state attorney general, a U.S. Senator and a delegation of elected and appointed leaders from all levels of government. Danielle Marks was a senior account executive for a leading Washington, DC public relations firm for the hospitality and restaurant industries and currently markets technical and scientific energy and environmental conferences and events. She has worked as a campaign manager and legislative advisor for Members of Congress. Both principals developed official policy positions and advocated on a range of issues with a Washington-based trade association with 14,000 large, medium and small member companies across a diverse spectrum of the economy: pulp and paper, chemicals, electric utilities, oil and gas, renewable and alternative energy, automobiles, aerospace and high-tech.
As the largest and most diverse city in Maine, Portland is the commercial and service capital of the state and has close and convenient access to other New England states and cities and direct service to Washington area airports. The city is rapidly becoming nationally known for its cultural, restaurant and natural characteristics. It is a progressive city with a demographic that cares deeply about energy and climate change issues. NEPA is excited to bring a unique firm to Portland to service clients with policy, financial, communications and political agendas in Washington, DC and throughout New England.
Jeff Marks
(571) 214-6392
jpmarksman@hotmail.com
Pennsylvania Avenue and Capitol Hill are the new “Wall Street” with hundreds of billions of dollars surging out of Washington, DC rather than traditional New York financial institutions. The next decade will bring an explosion of new energy and environmental policies and programs at the federal and state levels. Maine and other New England businesses, non-profits, governments and citizens will be directly and indirectly impacted by these activities.
New England Public Affairs (NEPA) is a government affairs and public relations company dedicated to helping businesses, associations, non-profits, local governments and other organizations interpret state and federal government actions, overcome challenges and capture opportunities related to energy, climate change and environmental policy and programs.
NEPA is New England’s link to Washington, DC and your eyes, ears and voice in the nation’s capital and throughout the northeast.
What is the Problem New England Public Affairs (NEPA) is Trying to Solve?
The mosaic of current energy and environmental policies is complex and dynamic, ranging from local, state and regional initiatives to a portfolio of federal policies and programs. For example, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan (a.k.a., Stimulus) provided nearly $800 billion in tax incentives and direct investment for a variety of programs, with a significant portion allocated to renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Maine and New England will benefit from wind, biomass, green building, transportation and other funding opportunities.
Meanwhile, domestic and global energy and climate change policy changes are taking place at a furious pace. Congress is considering several bills and various states and regional coalitions are implementing greenhouse gas emission reduction programs. While some policy changes may be warranted in achieving energy efficiency and pollution reduction targets and goals, others may have negative effects such as diminished competitiveness and high energy prices. The cornerstone of most efforts is an economy-wide, market-driven approach that includes a cap-and-trade program limiting emissions and economic activity and giving away hundreds of billions of dollars to public and private recipients.
In order to influence climate and energy actions, and reap the benefits of significant funding, policy and incentive actions, New England entities need sound and informed advice. NEPA has the policy analysis and advocacy experience to provide New England clients with government affairs and public relations strategy services on stimulus, climate change, energy and other government initiatives.
Much is at stake for New England stakeholders. An improperly designed climate change system could significantly increase producer and consumer costs for electricity, fuels and products and lead to unintended market consequences. Increased regulation of manufacturers, power plants and transportation could present cost and technology problems. On the flip side, strong mandates for clean energy and energy efficient technologies will benefit many New England businesses and projects. And, the potential value of allowances and revenues under a carbon trading system or tax is estimated to be in the hundreds of billions of dollars. “Who gets what, when and how?” is a fundamental question for New England organizations and citizens.
NEPA is well-positioned to take a lead role in helping Maine and other New England stakeholders influence public policy and benefit from its enactment and implementation. NEPA will also play a key role in helping clients promote energy efficiency and reduce negative environmental impacts while providing a stable business climate.
What Products or Services Does New England Public Affairs (NEPA) Offer to Solve the Problem?
NEPA will provide government affairs and public relations services that promote cost-effective and flexible means to operate clients’ organizations. Its experts will work with companies and other organizations to understand and influence state and federal environmental and energy legislative, regulatory and programmatic activities to promote investment in clients’ products, technologies, facilities or policy positions. NEPA public relations experts will develop and execute effective communications, media and event strategies for all types of clients. NEPA clients will acquire information and ideas that will impact their bottom lines, reputations and agendas in a positive manner.
Government Affairs– Champion the interests of business, non-profit, local government and other organization clients in climate change, energy, environmental and other government activities.
Public Relations – Formulate and execute communications, event and media strategies for business, non-profit, local government and other organization clients.
Information and Education Services – Provide ideas, strategies and recommendations on behalf of business, non-profit, local government and other organization clients.
What is New England Public Affairs’ (NEPA’s) Target Market?
The proliferation of climate change, environmental and energy policies and programs will attract clients seeking experts in government affairs, public relations and information and analysis services.
Maine and other New England companies and organizations with specific needs in the environmental, climate change and energy areas will be a growing target market. Prospective clients include the manufacturing, energy provider, technology and buildings sectors as well as associations, public interest groups, campaigns, law and consulting firms and local governments.
While the initial focus will be Maine organizations and their climate change, energy and environmental issues, NEPA is positioned to expand and develop services in other geographic (New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island) and issue (economic development, health care, tax reform) areas.
Why Should Your Customers “Buy” From New England Public Affairs (NEPA)?
NEPA will be successful because it’s the first stand-alone public affairs firm in Maine that services clients with policy, program and political agendas in Washington, DC and the New England states. NEPA will provide a more hands-on, lower-cost government affairs and public relations option to clients as an alternative to broadly-focused law firms and trade associations.
NEPA will work on behalf of its clients to increase investment in and commercialization of their products and services by leveraging government policies, partnerships, incentives, support, information and markets. The firm will monitor government activities and navigate the proliferation of differing federal, state and regional policies. We will manage the costs and risks of legislative and regulatory proposals and advocate for measures that increase demand for New England products and services. NEPA will also assist trade associations, public interest groups and cities and counties that may have time, expertise and resource constraints to examine government activities that may directly or indirectly impact their members’/citizens’ energy costs, operations, products and employees.
As state and regional climate change and energy programs continue to evolve and national legislation and regulations advance, NEPA offers a small, personalized practice to advise clients and develop strategy. Companies, associations, non-profits, consumers and governments will see an increasing need for strategic monitoring, lobbying and public relations services. NEPA will be clients’ “eyes, ears and voice” in Washington, DC and throughout New England.
Who are New England Public Affairs’ (NEPA’s) Competitors?
New England states have traditionally taken a more progressive approach to environmental issues. It is not surprising that traditional law firms are starting to approach these legal and policy issues with enthusiasm. At this time, firms primarily provide legal counsel to industrial consumers, energy project developers and energy service companies on legal and commercial matters on air, water and noise pollution, waste management, chemical regulation and land use controls. Some groups counsel clients on energy and environmental regulatory, litigation and commercial matters, including permitting, development and administrative cases.
The intensifying market for climate change and energy services is prompting expansion into these areas. In New England, the landscape for emerging practices is still relatively fresh and undeveloped, but growing. In Maine, a handful of law firms have energy and/or environmental law practices and one has only recently created a climate change division. NEPA will be the first stand-alone public affairs management firm in Portland that services clients with energy, environmental and climate change policy, program and political agendas in Washington, DC and the New England states.
At this time, Washington, DC law and consulting firms, trade associations and public interest groups are leading the charge with thriving energy, climate change and environmental practices and will be both direct and indirect competitors. While these organizations offer some form of government affairs and public relations services in the climate change and energy arenas, NEPA will provide more personalized and individualized service at a lower cost to Maine and New England entities. Because the issues are so broad and all-encompassing, significant room exists for representation in Washington, DC and New England.
What Inspired You to Get Into This Business?
I recently left Washington, DC to return to my native state of Maine to explore how I can use my experience, contacts and knowledge to help with its energy “renaissance.”
New England is taking action on its own to address climate change and clean energy policies. The region is setting targets for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, adopting policies to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency and developing and implementing climate action plans. For example, Maine is playing a leading, crucial role in promoting low-carbon and energy efficiency solutions through participation in a regional emissions trading program; requiring electric utilities to generate a specified amount of their electricity from renewable sources; establishment of a public benefit fund to support energy efficient projects; incentives for biofuel production and use; green building standards; and a deep commitment to the design, construction and operation of renewable energy wind farms and offshore renewable resources.
The NEPA principals have considerable experience in government affairs and public relations. Jeff Marks directed energy, environmental, health and safety government relations for United Technologies Corporation (UTC), a Fortune 50 company that provides products and services on the cutting edge of the aerospace and building industries. He has worked on all levels of government in various political and policy positions – with a city manager, a state senate president, a state attorney general, a U.S. Senator and a delegation of elected and appointed leaders from all levels of government. Danielle Marks was a senior account executive for a leading Washington, DC public relations firm for the hospitality and restaurant industries and currently markets technical and scientific energy and environmental conferences and events. She has worked as a campaign manager and legislative advisor for Members of Congress. Both principals developed official policy positions and advocated on a range of issues with a Washington-based trade association with 14,000 large, medium and small member companies across a diverse spectrum of the economy: pulp and paper, chemicals, electric utilities, oil and gas, renewable and alternative energy, automobiles, aerospace and high-tech.
As the largest and most diverse city in Maine, Portland is the commercial and service capital of the state and has close and convenient access to other New England states and cities and direct service to Washington area airports. The city is rapidly becoming nationally known for its cultural, restaurant and natural characteristics. It is a progressive city with a demographic that cares deeply about energy and climate change issues. NEPA is excited to bring a unique firm to Portland to service clients with policy, financial, communications and political agendas in Washington, DC and throughout New England.
Jeff Marks
(571) 214-6392
jpmarksman@hotmail.com
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