Agustin F. Carbo
Guaynabo
Summary
Dynamic environmental and energy attorney with a proven track record at the U.S. Department of Energy, specializing in energy compliance and strategic planning. Expert in climate policy solutions and contract negotiation, I drive impactful initiatives that foster sustainable practices and enhance community engagement, ensuring effective policy execution and regulatory compliance.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Environmental & Energy Counsel
Reichard & Escalera, LLC
San Juan
01.2025 - Current
- Guided clients on energy planning, development, regulatory, and permitting matters for conventional, renewable, and clean energy projects
- Managed environmental regulatory and compliance matters, conducting transactional due diligence for mergers & acquisitions and financing deals in multinational pharmaceutical and medical device sectors
- Advised clients on legal matters and compliance issues.
- Drafted and reviewed contracts and legal documents.
- Conducted legal research to support case strategies.
Director – Puerto Rico Grid Modernization and Recovery Team
U.S. Department of Energy
San Juan
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Directed Grid Modernization and Recovery Team in Puerto Rico, established strategic vision and priorities.
- Served as primary liaison between Department of Energy (DOE) and Puerto Rico stakeholders, facilitating collaboration with government and utility concessionaires on transmission, distribution, and generation assets.
- Advised DOE leadership on government affairs, legal matters, federal funding, and communication strategies, enhancing strategic response to Puerto Rico’s energy challenges.
Director - Energy Transition
Environmental Defense Fund
San Juan
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Chaired EDF team and led projects in Puerto Rico, fostering collaboration and community engagement
- Led energy regulatory matters at the Puerto Rico Energy Bureau; served as a team leader for a community-based energy resiliency project on the island of Culebra
- Built strategic partnerships with local and national organizations, managed fundraising efforts, and strengthened relationships with donors
- Advised the organization on communications and governmental affairs
Senior Manager & Regulatory Energy Attorney – Puerto Rico Energy Team
Environmental Defense Fund
San Juan
01.2019 - 01.2022
Founder and President
ClimaTHINK Institute for Climate Law and Policy
San Juan
01.2017 - 01.2022
- Established think tank focused on climate law and policy to drive sustainable and resilient societal practices.
Chairman (Inaugural Position)
Puerto Rico Energy Commission
San Juan
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Created and implemented the operational strategy of the Agency and led the development of internal policies to manage the duties imposed by the Commission’s enabling act.
- Conceptualized and executed the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s energy public policy
- Created and deployed strategies to achieve Puerto Rico Energy Reform objectives, incorporating integrated resource planning to meet predicted annual peak and energy demand
- Took charge of evaluation and approval of first-rate case and securitization of approximately $7.2B utility debt
- Developed and supervised workforce for newly established utility regulator, managing $7M budget allocation and control
Lecturer
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico - School of Law
Ponce
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Delivered engaging lectures on legal principles and case law analysis.
- Developed course materials that align with curriculum standards and legal practices.
- Facilitated discussions to enhance student understanding of complex legal concepts.
- Facilitated law school seminars on environmental law and policy, fostering critical discussions and enhancing student engagement.
Executive Director
Puerto Rico Solid Waste Authority
San Juan
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Spearheaded creation and implementation of public policies for sustainable solid waste management practices, including recycling, for Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, managing a $7.8M budget
- Developed climate change mitigation projects in closed landfills, establishing photovoltaic solar and landfill gas energy facilities
- Earned selection to co-lead the action agenda as a member of the Puerto Rico Sustainability Action Council
- Initiated zero waste initiative in Municipality of Culebra, Puerto Rico, and devised comprehensive zero waste plan for Puerto Rico
Assistant Regional Counsel
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Dallas
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Directed legal strategies for Regional Haze Federal Implementation Plans for New Mexico and Oklahoma power plants, advancing regional air quality standards.
- Delivered legal counseling on greenhouse gas (GHG) permit assessment and issuance, facilitating federal approval processes.
- Provided legal advice to Air Planning Division on regulatory actions for state implementation plans under Clean Air Act, ensuring compliance and effective implementation.
Adviser
Permanent Mission of Belize to the United Nations
New York
01.2012 - 12.2012
- Advised on diplomatic strategies and policies at the United Nations.
- Advised on climate change and sustainable development legal matters to support preparations for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20).
- Researched global issues affecting Belize and prepared briefing documents.
- Coordinated communication between Belize and international organizations.
Research Assistant
Yale Center of Environmental Law and Policy
New Haven
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Supported outreach and communication initiatives for the center by researching environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing, air pollution laws, and climate change
- Collected and analyzed data related to environmental regulations.
- Conducted literature reviews on environmental policy and law topics.
- Contributed to development of comprehensive strategies for environmental decision-making
- Assisted in organizing workshops and seminars for stakeholders.
General Counsel | Corporate and Environmental Counsel
CEMEX of Puerto Rico, Inc.
San Juan
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Guided outside counsel in ongoing litigation and coordinated with counsel from CEMEX locations in Colombia, Mexico, Spain, and Venezuela on legal issues in Puerto Rico, South America, and the Caribbean.
- Addressed legal issues, including administrative and civil litigation, while overseeing environmental permitting and field administrative complaints across Puerto Rico.
- Supported CEMEX committee in managing initiatives aimed at decreasing energy consumption at cement plant.
Lecturer
Inter American University of Puerto Rico
San Juan
01.2005 - 01.2009
- Instructed graduate students in environmental law courses within Master of Science program in Environmental Evaluation and Protection, fostering critical understanding of legal frameworks and their application to environmental issues.
- Delivered engaging lectures on legal principles and case studies.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to enhance critical thinking among students.
- Developed course materials aligned with curriculum objectives and accreditation standards.
Under Secretary for Permits, Endorsements, and Specialized Services | Director of Office of Legal Affairs
Department of Natural and Environmental Resources
San Juan
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Managed permitting, wildlife evaluations, environmental reviews, and technical evaluations to facilitate completion of Puerto Rico construction projects
- Provided legal guidance on legislation, administrative actions, and labor lawsuits, ensuring compliance with department rules and policies
- Led creation, evaluation, and negotiation of contracts and agreements to support organizational objectives
Associate Attorney, Corporate Department
Toro, Colón, Mullet, Rivera and Sifre, PSC
San Juan
- Managed environmental due diligence in corporate law matters to facilitate successful mergers, acquisitions, and financing deals
- Defended clients in local and federal environmental law administrative actions, ensuring compliance and mitigating legal risks
- Conducted legal research to support case strategies and arguments.
- Drafted legal documents for various client cases and proceedings.
- Assisted in trial preparation by organizing exhibits and evidence.
Associate Attorney, Corporate Department
Fiddler González and Rodríguez, PSC
San Juan
- Handled environmental and corporate law matters, addressing zoning and land use issues and hazardous waste disposal.
- Drafted legal documents and pleadings for various litigation matters.
- Researched case law and legal precedents to support client arguments.
- Assisted in trial preparation by organizing evidence and witness lists.
Executive Director
San Juan Bay Estuary Program
San Juan
- Directed watershed planning and implementation, securing financial resources for comprehensive conservation and management plan.
- Led development of strategic waste management policies and programs.
- Coordinated community outreach initiatives to promote recycling and sustainability efforts.
- Oversaw budgeting processes for operational efficiency within the authority.
Environmental Engineer | On-scene Coordinator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Boston
- Executed emergency response and enforcement programs for oil and hazardous substance releases, ensuring swift and effective remedial actions.
- Conducted inspections of facility response and spill prevention plans, verifying compliance with environmental regulations and enhancing safety protocols.
- Conducted environmental assessments and field investigations for regulatory compliance.
- Collaborated with teams to develop sustainability strategies and pollution prevention plans.
- Analyzed data from environmental studies to identify potential hazards and risks.
Education
Master of Environmental Management - Environmental Policy Analysis, Sustainability, and Climate Change
Yale University - School of the Environment
New Haven, CTJuris Doctor -
Vermont Law School
South Royalton, VTMaster of Science in Environmental Engineering -
Northeastern University
Boston, MABachelor of Science in Civil Engineering - Environmental Engineering
Northeastern University
Boston, MASkills
- Energy compliance
- Environmental policy analysis
- Climate policy solutions
- Policy execution
- Legal support
- Contract negotiation
- Transactional due diligence
- Solutions design
Certification
- Notary Public, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
- Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) Certifications, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Texas
Awards
- Secretary of Energy's Achievement Award, Puerto Rico Grid Modernization and Recovery Team, 2024, U.S. Department of Energy
- Bronze Medal, 1st Federal Haze Rule for Power Plants, 2012, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6
Publications
- Edited Book, Puerto Rico environmental law handbook (3rd ed.), Negrón Navas, Eduardo, et al., A. Carbo, Government Institutes, 2003
- Edited Book, Huella ecológica (Ecological footprint) (climate change ed.), Justicia, Sara, et al., A. Carbo, PR Solid Waste Authority, 2013
- Chapter in an Edited Book, Emissions trading to improve visibility in specially protected areas in the US: An alternative to retrofit control requirements in a sustainable economy, A. Carbo, L. A. Kreiser, A. Y. Sterling, P. M.H. Molina, J.E. Milne, and H. Ashiabor, Carbon pricing, growth and the environment, critical issues in environmental taxation, XI, 103-116, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2012
Bar Admissions
- Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
- Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico
Qualifications Summary
Seasoned and performance-focused professional with 25 years of experience managing complex and large-scale sustainability and environmental programs and multidisciplinary projects. Known for cost-effective leadership approach, with proven capacity to drive multiple projects to completion and produce effective results toward society’s sustainability and resiliency. Recognized as an environmental and energy law and policy expert, effective at providing insights and plans in achieving organizational objectives. Bilingual in English and Spanish, with basic knowledge of French.
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Spanish
Native
Native
Timeline
Environmental & Energy Counsel
Reichard & Escalera, LLC
01.2025 - Current
Director – Puerto Rico Grid Modernization and Recovery Team
U.S. Department of Energy
01.2022 - 01.2025
Director - Energy Transition
Environmental Defense Fund
01.2022 - 12.2022
Senior Manager & Regulatory Energy Attorney – Puerto Rico Energy Team
Environmental Defense Fund
01.2019 - 01.2022
Founder and President
ClimaTHINK Institute for Climate Law and Policy
01.2017 - 01.2022
Chairman (Inaugural Position)
Puerto Rico Energy Commission
01.2014 - 01.2017
Lecturer
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico - School of Law
01.2014 - 01.2017
Executive Director
Puerto Rico Solid Waste Authority
01.2013 - 01.2014
Adviser
Permanent Mission of Belize to the United Nations
01.2012 - 12.2012
Research Assistant
Yale Center of Environmental Law and Policy
01.2011 - 01.2012
Assistant Regional Counsel
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
01.2009 - 01.2013
General Counsel | Corporate and Environmental Counsel
CEMEX of Puerto Rico, Inc.
01.2007 - 01.2009
Lecturer
Inter American University of Puerto Rico
01.2005 - 01.2009
Under Secretary for Permits, Endorsements, and Specialized Services | Director of Office of Legal Affairs
Department of Natural and Environmental Resources
01.2005 - 01.2007
Associate Attorney, Corporate Department
Toro, Colón, Mullet, Rivera and Sifre, PSC
Associate Attorney, Corporate Department
Fiddler González and Rodríguez, PSC
Executive Director
San Juan Bay Estuary Program
Environmental Engineer | On-scene Coordinator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Master of Environmental Management - Environmental Policy Analysis, Sustainability, and Climate Change
Yale University - School of the Environment
Juris Doctor -
Vermont Law School
Master of Science in Environmental Engineering -
Northeastern University
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering - Environmental Engineering
Northeastern University