Steve Levitas
About Steve Levitas
Steve Levitas serves as the Senior Vice President for Regulatory and Government Affairs at Pine Gate Renewables, bringing extensive experience in environmental and renewable energy law. He has held various leadership roles, including positions at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP and the Environmental Defense Fund, and has actively contributed to significant regulatory initiatives in North Carolina.
Current Role at Pine Gate Renewables
Steve Levitas serves as the Senior Vice President for Regulatory and Government Affairs at Pine Gate Renewables. He has held this position since 2019, contributing to the company's initiatives in the renewable energy sector. His role involves overseeing regulatory compliance and engaging with government entities to promote sustainable energy practices.
Previous Experience in Law and Environmental Advocacy
Prior to his current role, Levitas worked at several law firms and organizations focused on environmental and renewable energy law. He was a Senior Counsel at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP from 2017 to 2020 and served as a Partner at the same firm from 2001 to 2016. Additionally, he was a Partner at Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard, LLP from 1997 to 2001, and he held the position of North Carolina Director and Senior Attorney at the Environmental Defense Fund from 1987 to 1992.
Educational Background
Steve Levitas earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he studied from 1972 to 1976. He later attended Harvard Law School, graduating cum laude with a Juris Doctor degree from 1979 to 1982. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his career in law and environmental policy.
Board Memberships and Industry Involvement
Levitas serves on the Board of Directors for the Solar Energy Industries Association and New Energy Economics. His involvement in these organizations reflects his commitment to advancing renewable energy policies and practices. He has been actively engaged in transmission and interconnection policies, influencing regulatory frameworks within the energy sector.
Key Contributions to Energy Policy
In 2022, Steve Levitas played a significant role in the initial proceedings before the North Carolina Utilities Commission, which resulted in the adoption of a plan aimed at reducing Duke Energy's carbon emissions by 70%. His expertise in regulatory affairs has been instrumental in shaping energy policies that promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.