News
PSC Grants CPCN to FSMC for Marcy Project
On May 15, 2026, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) issued an Order granting Fort Schuyler Management Corporation (FSMC) a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to construct, own, and operate a 115 kV/13.2 kV dual transformer electric...
Decision Issued to Annul DEC’s Freshwater Wetlands Regulations
On April 8, 2026, the New York Supreme Court issued a decision annulling New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation’s freshwater wetlands regulations (6 NYCRR Part 664). Congratulations to Alita Giuda and our environmental practice group on this win....
Couch White Attorneys Author Article for Spring Material Matters Issue
Couch White attorneys, Alita Giuda and Honora Osman, recently authored an article for the New York Construction Materials Association’s Spring 2026 Material Matters magazine. The article reports on how the United States Department of Transportation ("USDOT") issued an...
Partner John Ahearn on City and State’s Albany 40 Under 40 List
Congratulations to John E. Ahearn, III, for being named to City and State's Albany 40 Under 40 list. John is a Partner in our Environmental and Renewable Energy Transactions practice groups John is at the forefront of renewable projects in NYS having represented...
Recognition for Brian Murphy on the Legal 500 Corporate and M&A New York Elite List
Couch White, LLP is proud to announce that Brian Murphy was selected as a leading Corporate and M&A attorney on the Legal 500 New York Elite Corporate and M&A List released today. Brian Murphy is a partner at Couch White, LLP and chairs the Corporate and...
What NAICS codes and changing processes mean for MWBE businesses
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Business Survey, there are now nearly six million employer companies across the country—and a significant number of them are minority and women-owned operations. In the fiscal year of 2024-25, New York boasted a...
City of Kingston Pike Plan Victory
Couch White’s Environmental Practice Group secured a significant victory for the City of Kingston in recent Article 78 proceedings challenging the City's actions in connection with the SEQRA review of the proposed demolition of City-owned canopies located in uptown...
Important Changes to DBE Qualifications for Certification in New York State
On October 3, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued an interim final rule requiring immediate changes to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program regulations. All previously certified DBE firms within the State of New York must be re-evaluated...
Important Information on the NYSDOL Electronic Certified Payroll System
Beginning January 1, 2026, all contractors and subcontractors engaged in existing or new projects covered by Article 8 of the Labor Law must submit certified payroll records to the State Department of Labor through the Certified Payroll Portal. New York State...
Couch White Welcomes Geoffrey Hainbach as Of Counsel
Couch White is pleased to announce Geoffrey Hainbach has joined the firm as Of Counsel to our Corporate & Commercial Transactions and Real Estate Practice Groups. Prior to joining the firm, he practiced M&A, private and public company transactions, and general...