NEW YORK, June 1, 2026 – Baker Botts L.L.P., a leading international energy, technology, and life sciences law firm, represented Transmission Developers, Inc. (TDI), a Blackstone portfolio company, in connection with the development and commercial operation of the Champlain Hudson Power Express, a $6 billion high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission project now delivering 1,250 megawatts of carbon-free energy from Québec directly to New York City.

Champlain Hudson Power Express is a 339-mile fully buried transmission line, the longest buried transmission line in North America, running from the U.S.-Canada border to a converter station in Astoria, Queens. Traveling underground and underwater, much of it beneath the Hudson River, the HVDC line delivers renewable power capable of supplying up to 20% of New York City's power needs.

Baker Botts has represented TDI on the project since 2013. The firm supported the federal regulatory strategy for the project, representing TDI before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the New York Independent System Operator on transmission rate, policy and market rule matters, before the U.S. Department of Energy on Presidential Permit issues, and before the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on infrastructure and environmental permitting. Baker Botts also advised TDI on the negotiation of the primary revenue contract for the line, a long-term capacity contract with Hydro-Québec, a Canadian Crown corporation and one of the world’s largest hydropower producers. Baker Botts also advised on real estate, land use, interconnection and transmission service agreements supporting the delivery of power into New York City.

"This multi-billion-dollar investment in new energy infrastructure will provide significant benefits," said Energy Regulatory Partner Emil Barth. "From the earliest federal authorizations through years of regulatory outreach and compliance, we are proud of the role we played in helping TDI bring this ambitious project into service and connect New York City directly with reliable power.”

“Champlain Hudson Power Express will enable one of the largest carbon-free energy delivery commitments ever made, providing New York City with clean energy for decades to come,” said Energy Projects Partner Michael Didriksen. “We are honored that TDI entrusted us to bring to bear our deep experience with the legal and regulatory framework governing cross-border energy delivery in negotiating the primary contract that will drive the success of Champlain Hudson Power Express.”

Baker Botts' Energy Regulatory, Transactional, Real Estate, and Environmental Practices seamlessly support the development and commercialization of large-scale domestic and cross-border infrastructure projects. The firm's multidisciplinary approach brings together federal permitting, commercial contracting, real estate, and environmental counsel under a single, coordinated team.

Baker Botts Lawyers/Offices Involved:

Energy Regulatory: Jay Ryan (Partner, Washington, D.C.); Emil Barth (Partner, Washington, D.C.); Diane Evans (Senior Associate, Washington, D.C.); Mary Franco (Associate, Washington, D.C.)

Real Estate: Daniel Kruger (Partner, Washington, D.C.)

Energy Projects & Transactions: Michael Didriksen (Partner, New York)

Environmental: Jeff Wood (Partner, Washington, D.C.) Thomas Jackson (Special Counsel, Washington, D.C.); Sarah Douglas (Associate, Washington, D.C.)

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