LaBella Joining Panel Discussions at BCONE’s Northeast Sustainable Communities Workshop
Several members of LaBella’s brownfield and energy teams will be sharing their expertise at the Northeast Sustainable Communities Workshop, taking place June 16–17, 2026, in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Hosted by the Brownfield Coalition of the Northeast (BCONE), this year’s workshop centers on the theme “From Contamination to Community Assets,” highlighting the transformative work that turns challenged properties into catalysts for revitalization, resilience, and opportunity.
Scroll down for an overview of LaBella’s sessions.
Tuesday, June 16 | 11:00 a.m.
Brownfield Rules in Motion: What’s Next for New York Projects
Arlette St. Romain, Eastern NY Program Manager at LaBella, will join this panel discussion covering how recent and anticipated changes to New York’s Brownfield Cleanup Program, including updates to Part 375 environmental regulations, are influencing project feasibility, tax credit eligibility, timelines, risk management, and project execution. Drawing on legal, environmental, and tax perspectives, panelists will discuss regulatory updates, agency interpretations, and emerging trends, and offer practical insights for aligning technical, legal, and financial strategies in an evolving regulatory landscape.
Additional Panelists:
- Linda Shaw, Esq. (Knauf Shaw LLP)
- Kevin Sayles, Esq. (Bousquet Holstein PLLC)
Moderator: Michael Tyszko, Esq. (Bousquet Holstein PLLC)
Tuesday, June 16 | 2:45 p.m.
Changing the Narrative: From NIMBY to YIMBY in Energy Storage
Bernardo Escudero, PMP, Vice President of Energy Services at LaBella, will moderate this panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities shaping energy storage development. The session will examine barriers that slow project approvals, including complex regulations, outdated permitting rules, significant infrastructure needs, and community concerns. Panelists will also discuss how a growing “Yes In My Backyard” (YIMBY) mindset can help overcome community resistance often associated with “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) attitudes and support the successful development of energy storage projects.
Panelists:
- Todd Berman (Avangrid)
- Lee D. Hoffman, Esq. (Pullman & Comley)
Tuesday, June 16 | 3:45 p.m.
Managing PFAS Risks: Legal and Regulatory Perspectives
Dawn Crowell, MELP, Environmental Manager—Brownfields at LaBella, will join this panel discussion on the evolving legal and regulatory landscape surrounding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and its implications for brownfield redevelopment. Panelists will discuss state and federal regulatory developments, compliance requirements, liability considerations, and emerging cleanup standards. The session will also cover site investigation, risk assessment, and long-term management strategies for PFAS-impacted properties.
Additional Panelists:
- Christopher Furlong, MBS, PMP (Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox LLP)
- Jay Peters (Haley and Aldrich, Inc.)
- Andrew Davis, Esq. (Shipman & Goodwin LLP)
- Michael Stroud, Esq. (Ice Miller LLP)
Moderator: Jonathan Spergel, Esq. (Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox LLP)
