Zachary D. Taylor

Zack advises clients on structuring and executing complex investment transactions across the U.S. clean energy and sustainable infrastructure sectors. He works with domestic and international owners, developers, and financial institutions to strategically deploy capital into U.S. assets, including solar, wind, battery storage, and projects tied to the decarbonization of the transportation sector, such as Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and next-generation fuel technologies.

With over a decade of leadership experience in U.S. Military Intelligence and Special Operations, Zack brings a distinct analytical rigor and strategic mindset to his legal practice. He helps clients navigate high-stakes matters involving foreign investment risk, geopolitical compliance, and transactional due diligence, ensuring alignment between legal strategy and global business objectives.

Key Experience: Integrated Transactional and Strategic Compliance

Zack's practice is centered on two integrated areas: clean energy finance and high-stakes regulatory compliance:

Clean Energy & Transportation Finance

• Tax Credit Finance and Structuring: Assists in structuring and negotiating transactions that monetize U.S. federal tax credits (ITC/PTC) for non-U.S. investors, with a focus on deals utilizing the direct pay and transferability mechanisms under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
• Hydrogen and Emerging Fuels: Assists on the transactional structuring and financing of clean hydrogen projects, focusing on the mechanics and eligibility requirements for the 45V Production Tax Credit and related investment models.
• Transportation Sector & RNG: Provides experience in the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and clean fuels space, including structuring acquisitions and Joint Ventures (JVs) for low-carbon fuel production. Advises on the monetization of environmental credits under the RFS and LCFS programs.
• Project Development Agreements: Drafts and assists in negotiating key transaction documents, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), EPC contracts, and O&M agreements, ensuring alignment with the economic assumptions of the underlying tax credit finance structure.

Strategic & Regulatory Compliance

• National Security & Foreign Investment Risk: Applies a background in strategic intelligence to help evaluate, mitigate, and manage CFIUS and FOCI risks for foreign investment in U.S. critical infrastructure and technology assets.
• Trade Policy (Duties & Tariffs): Part of a team of attorneys who help advise clients on the transactional impact of U.S. trade policy, including Section 201, 232, and 301 duties and anti-dumping/countervailing duties (AD/CVD) on imported renewable energy components. This work is often integrated with FEOC compliance to de-risk supply chains.
• Geopolitical Sourcing (FEOC): Assists in counseling international manufacturers and investors on compliance with Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) requirements related to IRA tax credit eligibility, helping clients map and de-risk global supply chains.
• Corporate & Land Reporting (CTA & AFIDA): Helps advise international clients on their obligations under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) regarding Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting and compliance with the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) when acquiring or leasing U.S. land.

Zack frequently collaborates with technical consultants, policy advisors, and in-house counsel to deliver integrated solutions that align legal strategy with operational realities.

Other

Zack maintains an active pro bono practice, assisting on both transactional and litigation matters. He helps entrepreneurs and nonprofits form their businesses and navigate complex regulatory requirements. He also supports individuals fleeing conflict zones in securing asylum and citizenship in the U.S., and assists low-income individuals in resolving tax disputes with the IRS and Minnesota Department of Revenue.

He mentors junior attorneys and law students interested in public interest work, particularly those with military or international backgrounds.

West Point Association of Graduates Advisory Council

Service to School