Energy regulation: oil and gas in United States

Bracewell LLP

Bracewell LLP is renowned for its strength in handling regulation surrounding the development and operation of pipeline infrastructure. With a client roster including midstream giants such as El Paso Natural Gas and Kinder Morgan, the team handles a broad range of large-scale projects, day-to-day operations, commercial opportunities and other ongoing regulatory and commercial requirements. Enforcement and appeals of regulatory decisions are also key areas of focus and the recent arrival of both Catherine Little and Annie Cook from Troutman Pepper has granted the firm a significant pipeline and LNG safety regulation practice. Mark Lewis heads the team and focuses on commercial and regulatory matters for oil and gas pipelines and other midstream clients, while Kirk Morgan acts for pipelines and project developers on jurisdictional issues, rate options, regulated practices and business opportunities. Michael Brooks advises on compliance with federal rules and regulation governing commodities and derivatives, as well as providing representation in investigations and enforcement proceedings. All named practitioners operate from the firm's office in Washington DC.

Practice head(s):

Mark Lewis


Other key lawyers:

Kirk Morgan; Kevin Ewing; Michael Brooks; Catherine Little; Annie Cook; David Super


Testimonials

‘They approach the work in a collaborative manner. Additionally, they are open to alternative billing arrangements.’

‘Mark Lewis and Kirk Morgan are extremely knowledgeable and approach the work with a business mindset. It makes their feedback and input valuable.’

‘Industry experts in energy regulation. Always find time for their clients’

‘Mark Lewis is exceptional at energy regulation law. An industry expert that explains solutions and risks in terms that anyone can understand. A great communicator with appropriate knowledge, charisma, and humor.’

Key clients

Kinder Morgan, Inc.


Tallgrass Energy


El Paso Natural Gas Pipeline, LLC


Phillips 66 Pipeline


Targa Resources


Sunoco Pipeline, LP


Permian Highway Pipeline, LLC


Texas Eastern Transmission, L.P.


Kinetica Energy Express, LLC


Kinder Morgan, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Represented Tallgrass Energy’s Trailblazer and REX pipelines in connection with a significant new project that will involve Trailblazer converting a large portion of its system from natural gas service to carbon dioxide service.
  • Represented Targa Resources in a project involving Targa’s Oklahoma NGL pipeline system and a related series of complex NGL transactions with a major natural gas liquids producer for the supply and transportation of NGLs from production facilities in Oklahoma to fractionation facilities in Mont Belvieu, Texas.
  • Representing Texas Eastern before PHMSA with respect to two ruptures on its pipeline system one in Kentucky in 2019, near Danville and one in 2020 near Hillsboro.

Steptoe LLP

Noted for its capability in defending pipeline companies before the FERC and appellate courts, Steptoe LLP’s Washington DC-based practice is active in both the oil and natural gas pipeline markets, and counts Colonial, Enbridge and ExxonMobil, to name a few, among its key roster of clients. Key areas of expertise include pipeline transactions and project developments, pipeline safety and FERC enforcement issues, in addition to residential permits for cross-border pipelines. Daniel Poynor represents pipeline companies before the FERC and appellate courts, with considerable experience advising on regulatory issues surrounding rates and regulated practices. Monique Watson handles all aspects of natural gas and oil pipeline regulation, including tariff analysis and certificate review, while Daniel Mullen was recently appointed as co-chair of the energy practice group, counselling clients on energy enforcement matters and government investigations.


Practice head(s):

Monique Watson; Daniel Poynor


Other key lawyers:

Daniel Mullen; John Perkins; Shaun Boedicker; Steven Reed; Steven Brose; Joshua Runyan


Testimonials

‘Very deep understanding of oil pipeline regulation makes this a go-to practice on FERC issues. Pragmatic problem solvers and strong written advocacy.’

‘Daniel Poynor and Monique Watson are a very strong group with deep experience in FERC regulation of oil pipelines. They understand the industry, complex regulatory issues, and are strong advocates. Highly regarded in the industry.’

Key clients

Liquid Energy Pipeline Association


Eddystone Rail Company LLC


Colonial Pipeline Company


Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership


ExxonMobil Pipeline Co/Mustang Pipeline LLC


The Southern Company


Sempra Energy


ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.


Northern Natural Gas Company


Williams Companies


Work highlights


  • Represented Colonial in a 59-day hearing concerning a series of complaints were filed with FERC challenging all of Colonial Pipeline Co’s rates, including its market-based rates and market-based rate making authority, as well as its indexed rates.
  • Representing Northern Natural Gas in an administrative hearing to increase its transportation rates. Northern has added $1.1 billion in rate base since 2020 to modernize its pipeline system and comply with pipeline safety laws and regulations.
  • Represented the Liquid Energy Pipeline Association on various matters, including two FERC Notice of Inquiries on allocation of pipeline capacity and standard of review for complaints against annual rate changes, as well as a matter related to FERC’s five-year review of its indexing methodology.

Vinson & Elkins LLP

Noted for its expertise in representing companies across the natural and LNG industry sectors, Vinson & Elkins LLP’s team is regularly placed at the forefront of large-scale infrastructure projects, handling all regulatory aspects and related appellate work, as well as critical pipeline rate cases before the FERC. The practice handles a variety of other regulatory mandates, including compliance issues, gas quality proceedings and presidential permit applications. Jay Seegers leads the Houston-based team, advising natural gas pipeline clients on regulatory issues with a focus on administrative litigation. Other key contacts in the team include Washington DC’s John Decker, who has experience in the natural gas and power sectors, having worked on numerous domestic and international matters involving the transportation of natural gas and LNG, Suzanne Clevenger and Damien Lyster, who operate from the firm’s Houston office. Jason Fleischer joined the practice from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in February 2023. Anita Wilson  has retired.

Practice head(s):

Jay Seegers


Other key lawyers:

John Decker; Suzanne Clevenger; Damien Lyster; Jason Fleischer


Key clients

New Fortress Energy


Energy Transfer Partners, LP/Enable Gulf Run Pipeline


Linn Operating, Inc./Linn Energy, Inc.


Marathon Oil Corporation


Jordan Cove Energy Project


Antero Resources


Plains All-American Pipeline, LP


Spire Storage West LLC


Sabal Trail Transmission, LLC


Enbridge/Valley Crossing Pipeline, LLC


Energy Transfer Partners, LP


Adelphia Gateway, LLC


Enbridge/Texas Eastern Transmission, LP


Enbridge/Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC


Enbridge/ East Tennessee Natural Gas, LLC


Enbridge/Mississippi Canyon Gas Pipeline, LLC


Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline, L.L.C.


Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C.


Alliance Pipeline L.P.


Riverstone Energy Limited


Enbridge/ Rio Bravo Pipeline Company, LLC


Jefferson Gulf Coast Energy Partners


Leaf River Energy Center LLC


Southern Company Gas / Golden Triangle Storage, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Handling all aspects of the development of an LNG export project that will liquefy natural gas in Wyalusing, PA, transport it by truck or rail to a port in New Jersey and load the LNG onto tankers for export.
  • Advising on all aspects of the development of an energy infrastructure project in Puerto Rico, including obtaining authorization to operate the plant from FERC, the construction of a micro fuel handling facility in the port of San Juan, the conversion of diesel-fired power plant to natural gas, facilities to truck LNG to industrial users and microgrids.
  • Advising Jordan Cove on all federal regulatory issues and certain commercial issues relating to the Jordan Cove Energy Project and Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline, a proposed liquefied natural gas export project and associated 229-mile pipeline that will be located in Coos Bay, Oregon

Baker Botts L.L.P.

Baker Botts L.L.P. handles a broad range of regulatory and litigation mandates in the oil and gas sector, such as representing clients in hearings surrounding transportation rates for natural gas, permitting of regulated facilities and counselling concerning regulatory changes. The regulation team is also noted for its capability in handling contentious matters, particularly when representing clients in administrative litigation and judicial reviews of agency decisions, as well as compliance and enforcement cases. Emil Barth has acted as first chair on regulatory hearings before the FERC and regularly advises on regulatory, litigation and project development matters, while Michael Yuffee focuses on enforcement defense and other regulatory mandates relating to the wholesale energy markets. Houston-based James Barkley jointly leads the team alongside Jay Ryan, and special counsel Ryan Norfolk regularly handles matters surrounding enforcement defense, internal investigations and administrative litigation. All named practitioners are based in the firm's Washington DC office, unless stated otherwise.

Practice head(s):

James Barkley; Jay Ryan


Other key lawyers:

Emil Barth; Michael Yuffee; Ryan Norfolk


Key clients

CenterPoint Energy Resources Corporation (CenterPoint)


Fundare Resources


Macquarie Energy, LLC


Repsol Energy North America Corporation (Repsol)


Work highlights


  • Represented Repsol Energy North America, a gas and LNG marketer, before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission concerning complex issues related to the natural gas and electric markets in New England, including at the FERC Winter Forum in Burlington, Vermont.
  • Served as co-counsel along with Minnesota counsel (Taft) in representing CenterPoint Energy Resources, a gas utility, in proceedings at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to determine prudence of gas supply costs during February 2021 Winter Storm Uri.
  • Negotiated and documented a senior secured term loan facility in the aggregate amount of $150m to finance, in part, the acquisition by Fundare of the Redtail assets.

Hogan Lovells US LLP

Counting Souther Star, Kinder Morgan and Columbia Gas, to name a few, among its key roster of clients, Hogan Lovells US LLP acts on high-end regulatory matters in the oil and gas sector, namely those in connection with Section 4 rate filings. The firm specializes in matters concerning LNG and pipelines, with demonstrable experience before the FERC. Practice head Stefan Krantz advises major pipeline companies in FERC proceedings concerning Section 4 and 5 rate litigation, while Greg Junge focuses on natural gas regulation issues before the FERC, as well as the federal court. Denver-based Ana Maria Gutiérrez, who is noted for her expertise in environmental, permitting and general regulatory issues, is another key contact in the group. All named partners operate from the firm's office in Washington DC, unless stated otherwise.


Practice head(s):

Stefan Krantz


Other key lawyers:

Greg Junge; Ana Maria Gutiérrez; Zachary Launer


Testimonials

‘The team has a cross-section of different talents, bringing in their own expertise and styles rendering a better product. They are excellent collaborators and view the issues to be resolved not just as the company’s problem, but it is theirs as well.’

‘Stefan Krantz is in a class all of his own. He utilizes a deep knowledge of the regulations, the application of those regs, along with his experience, to provide wise and collaborative counsel. In my experience, there is none better.’

Key clients

Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC


ANR Pipeline Company


Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc.


Texas Gas Transmission


Boardwalk Pipeline Partners


Texas LNG Brownsville LLC


UGI Sunbury


Symmetry Energy Solutions


Western Midstream Partners, LP


Kinder Morgan CO2 Company


Laramie Energy


West Slope Colorado Oil & Gas Association (WSCOGA)


Work highlights


  • Achieved a successful settlement for Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC, having represented the client for the last three years in preparing, filing, and litigating its first Natural Gas Act Section 4 rate filing in more than 25 years.
  • Assisted Boardwalk Pipeline Partners in preparing a request for rehearing of the FERC policy statements, addressing FERC’s policies for certificating natural gas pipeline infrastructure and for considering the greenhouse gas emissions related to FERC-certificate natural gas infrastructure projects.
  • Represented Western Midstream Partners, LP, a midstream oil and gas company in a rulemaking before the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Latham & Watkins LLP handles the full range of commercial and regulatory issues, frequently representing companies involved in transportation and storage of natural gas, crude oil and refined petroleum products, as well as commodity traders and private equity sponsors. The Washington DC-based team is particularly active in administrative and appellate litigation, while frequently collaborating with the firm’s lawyers in the project finance, M&A, tax and environmental departments. Eugene Elrod is a recognized market leader, frequently representing clients in administrative litigation and arbitration, with a focus on federal and state regulation of natural gas, crude oil and petroleum. Patrick Nevins is regularly involved in high-stakes regulatory matters relating to administrative litigation and infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

David Schwartz


Other key lawyers:

Eugene Elrod; Patrick Nevins; Tyler Brown


Testimonials

‘Eugene Elrod has a master of pipeline regulatory work.’

‘It truly is the people at Latham & Watkins and their broad understanding of this area that makes them special.’

‘Unmatched expertise on US LNG-related matters.’

‘Patrick Nevins is an exceptional project counsellor and litigator who has truly “seen it all” when it comes to natural gas and oil-related project development. His ability to provide clear guidance in unclear regulatory areas is unmatched.’

‘Eugene Elrod is a kind gentleman and knowledgeable counsellor. His perspective is invaluable.’

Key clients

Hilcorp Alaska


Pembina Pipeline


ArcLight Capital


Venture Global LNG, Venture Global Calcasieu Pass


ExxonMobil Pipeline


Cove Point LNG, LP


Cheniere Energy


Midship Pipeline


Dominion Energy


BHE GT&S


Venture Global LNG, Venture Global Plaquemines LNG


Venture Global LNG, CP2 LNG


Blackstone


PTE Pipeline


Sendero Midstream


Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage, Inc.


EQT Corporation


AltaGas Ltd. / Washington Gas Light


Crescent Midstream


Vistra Energy


Symmetry Energy Solutions


National Fuel Gas Company


Blue Racer Midstream


Delfin LNG


TriSummit Utilities, Inc.


MUFG Bank


Occidental Petroleum


Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

The energy and project development team at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP handles a broad range of oil and gas matters, including projects relating to LNG, RNG and gas-fired generation. The firm acts as a one-stop shop for all aspects of FERC, CFTC and DOE regulations for natural gas companies, particularly concerning certification and approval of new pipelines, administrative litigation, federal regulatory compliance and appellate litigation. Kirstin Gibbs is a standout name in the market, leading the firm’s energy industry team and the climate change and sustainability working group. Gibbs regularly represents pipelines, producers, traders, marketers and utilities on a variety of regulatory issues, while Pamela Wu advises on matters concerning rates, market regulation and energy commodity trading before FERC and CFTC. Associate Arjun Ramadevanahalli assists on issues regarding wholesale markets, utilities transactions and enforcement proceedings. Stephen Spina jointly leads the practice alongside Chicago-based Elizabeth Hanigan. All named lawyers operate from the firm’s Washington DC office, unless stated otherwise.



Practice head(s):

Elizabeth Hanigan; Stephen Spina


Other key lawyers:

Kirstin Gibbs; Pamela Wu; Arjun Ramadevanahalli; Levi McAllister


Key clients

South Jersey Industries


Spire Marketing, Spire Storage West, and Spire Midstream


Equinor Natural Gas


Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, Duke Energy Kentucky, and Duke Energy Ohio


Diversified Gas & Oil Corp., Diversified Midstream, Diversified Energy Marketing


Summit Utilities


Shell Trading (US) Company


Cheniere


ENGIE Energy Marketing, Inc.


Kinder Morgan/Hiland


Work highlights


  • Advising South Jersey Industries regarding an investment and development in renewable natural gas projects across the northeast that will allow the SJI gas utilities to decarbonize the company’s footprint in New Jersey.
  • Advised Summit Utilities in its acquisition of two natural gas local distribution companies located in Arkansas and Louisiana from CenterPoint.
  • Representing the Diversified companies in connection with Eastern Gas Transmission’s general NGA Section 4 rate case filing to increase its rates and implement other onerous tariff proposals.

Van Ness Feldman LLP

Van Ness Feldman LLP acts for major clients across the natural gas, LNG, oil and refined products sectors on all stages of the infrastructure development process, including structuring, construction and ongoing regulatory compliance. Additionally, the practice advises on rate, tariff and enforcement proceedings at the FERC, in addition to permitting proceedings before the DOE, and is noted for its expertise in handling pipeline safety enforcement, tribal consultations and climate change matters. Phil Mone and Mona Tandon lead the team alongside Michael Pincus, advises on all aspects of the siting and operation of interstate natural gas pipelines and LNG terminals before the FERC, with demonstrable experience in presidential permits and rate and tariff issues. Paul Korman handles high-end litigation before the FERC on behalf of natural gas producers, marketers and pipelines, while Susan Olenchuk is an expert in pipeline safety compliance. All named partners are based in Washington DC.

Practice head(s):

Phil Mone; Mona Tandon; Michael Pincus


Other key lawyers:

Paul Korman; Susan Olenchuk; Mosby Perrow; Michael Diamond; Nakia Arrington


Key clients

Interstate Natural Gas Association of America


Kinder Morgan Inc./Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, LLC


Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P.


Spire STL Pipeline, LLC


Colonial Pipeline Company


Summit Midstream


Natural Gas Supply Association of America


BHE GT&S / Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage (EGTS)


BHE GT&S / Carolina Gas Transmission


Medallion Gathering & Processing, LLC


Work highlights


  • Representing Spire STL Pipeline, a 65-mile pipeline that serves 650,000 customers in eastern Missouri, in responding to the D.C. Circuit’s order vacating a certificate of public convenience and necessity permitting the construction and operation of its facility.
  • Represents Eastern Gas Transmission & Storage on its first Natural Gas Act (NGA) Section 4 general rate proceeding in over twenty years. The client provides natural gas transportation and storage services with one of the largest underground natural gas storage systems in the United States.
  • Represented Summit Midstream Partners, LLC on successfully obtaining a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the Double E Pipeline Project, a 116-mile-long pipeline extending from Eddy County, New Mexico to the Waha Hub in Texas.

Greenberg Traurig LLP

Greenberg Traurig LLP has demonstrable experience representing natural gas pipeline companies and storage corporations before the FERC, with demonstrable experience advising on issues arising out of rate making, restructuring, market power and enforcement proceedings. In the firm’s Washington DC office, Kenneth Minesinger acts on energy regulatory and projects matters for key clients, including Petro Star, while Howard Nelson routinely handles major multiparty litigation and Rabeha Kamaluddin acts for major public utilities companies, energy developers and oil shippers before the FERC. Based in Orange County, Thomas Brill is another key contact in the group, assisting clients in navigating compliance requirements in voluntary and mandatory carbon markets. Minesinger leads the team alongside William Garner and Iskender Catto, who operate from Washington DC and Houston respectively.

Practice head(s):

William Garner; Kenneth Minesinger; Iskender Catto


Other key lawyers:

Howard Nelson; Rabeha Kamaluddin; Thomas Brill


Key clients

Petro Star Inc.


NGL Energy Partners LP


The State of Alaska and Alaska Gasline Development Corporation


Pilot Travel Centers LLC


Gunvor


Sheetz, Inc.


Apex Oil Company, Inc.


FutureFuels Chemical Co.


Interstate Natural Gas Association of America


Crestwood Midstream Partners


Work highlights


  • Representing NGL Energy Partners LP, Gunvor, Pilot, Sheez, Inc., Apex Oil Company, FutureFuels Chemical Co in connection with filing complaints at FERC against Colonial Pipeline.
  • Representing the State of Alaska and the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation (AGDC) in connection with a broad range of regulatory, litigation, corporate and other issues relating to the State’s and AGDC’s efforts to induce the construction of a major LNG export project, the Alaska LNG Project.
  • Representing Petro Star in litigation at FERC in Docket No. OR14-6 regarding the Trans Alaska Pipeline and the implementation of the TAPS Quality Bank.

K&L Gates

K&L Gates is noted for its expertise in the regulation of natural gas pipeline transportation and storage, in addition to LNG imports and exports. Members of the team frequently appear before the FERC on mandates concerning pipeline regulation, including transportation capacity, rates and the permitting process, with additional experience representing natural gas pipeline clients in appellate court proceedings concerning transportation infrastructure, regulated rates and commercial transactions. Based in the firm’s Washington DC office, co-head of the global regulatory group David Wochner jointly leads the LNG and hydrogen practices, and frequently advises on critical federal regulatory and policy issues associated with energy infrastructure and commodities. Fort Worth’s Jamie Bryan leads the US-based team.

Practice head(s):

Jamie Bryan


Other key lawyers:

David Wochner; Timothy Furdyna


Testimonials

‘The firm’s network of worldwide expertise means that we have access to deep skills in all aspects of legal questions. With a very responsive single point of contact, we have been connected with colleagues across a range of functions and industries.’

Key clients

NextDecade – Rio Grande LNG


CNG Holding 1 LLC


Entergy Services, LLC


NEXT Carbon Solutions


Commonwealth LNG


Magnolia LNG


Work highlights


  • Representing Rio Grande LNG in its efforts to amend its FERC-authorization for the LNG export terminal to incorporate first-of-its-kind, proprietary carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) systems into the design and operation of its project.
  • Successfully sought and obtained an order from FERC declaring our client, CNG HOLDINGS 1, LLC’s facility to produce compressed natural gas was not subject to FERC’s jurisdiction.

King & Spalding LLP

King & Spalding LLP’s energy regulatory practice handles the full range of regulation and litigation matters in the oil and gas arena, with demonstrable experience advising on LNG project development, hydrocarbon storage, carbon capture and alternative fuels mandates. The group frequently acts before the FERC and other regulatory bodies on cases concerning regulatory enforcements and investigations, natural gas certificate issues and safety matters associated with natural gas pipelines and LNG facilities. In the Washington DC office, James Bowe is noted for his expertise in the regulation of energy pipelines, energy storage facilities and oil and gas import and export facilities, in addition to carbon capture projects. Bowe jointly leads the team alongside Nikesh Jindal, who advises on regulation surrounding onshore and offshore exploration, while Houston’s Mark Greenberg focuses on energy-related commodities.

Practice head(s):

James Bowe; Nikesh Jindal


Other key lawyers:

Mark Greenberg; Tyler Brown


Testimonials

‘Great expertise, collaboration and industry leadership. Specifically James Bowe.’

‘Jim Bowe is an extremely knowledgeable energy regulatory lawyer.’

Key clients

Arbor Renewable Gas


Arena Energy


Cenovus Energy, Inc.


Chevron Corporation


Citadel Advisors LLC


Competitive Power Ventures


ConocoPhillips


Crestwood Midstream Partners, LP


Eagle LNG Partners Jacksonville, LP


EQT Corporation


Freepoint Commodities


Hy Stor Energy LP


J.P. Morgan


Mexico Pacific Limited LLC


Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority


Starwood Energy Group Global Inc.


Targa Resources Partners


Third Coast Midstream


Trafigura


Work highlights


  • Representing ConocoPhillips in an appeal of a U.S. Dept. of the Interior order to decommission oil production platforms and numerous oil wells on a federal lease offshore California, in which ConocoPhillips argues that the successor (now bankrupt) owner of the lease, not ConocoPhillips, is responsible for decommissioning.
  • Advising Hy Stor Energy LP on establishing a first-of-its-kind business focused on the production of clean hydrogen, a fuel and feedstock critical to decarbonization.
  • Representing PREPA in various commercial and regulatory matters such as the implementation of PREPA’s Integrated Resource Plan, including management of a renewable generation and energy storage resource procurement process, required by an Energy Bureau-approved resource Procurement Plan.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

The energy and infrastructure team at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP assists a diverse range of oil and gas clients in navigating regulatory and permitting mandates before the FERC, DOE and other federal institutions. In the firm's New York office, Lisa Tonery leads the team and advises on critical matters in the LNG sector, representing major players in the industry, including Cheniere Energy and New Fortress Energy. The New York office is also home to senior associate Mariah Johnston, who handles on regulatory strategy, compliance and transactional matters. Based in Houston, global head of the energy and infrastructure practice Dahl Thompson is another key contact in the group.


Practice head(s):

Dahl Thompson; Lisa Tonery


Other key lawyers:

Mariah Johnston


Key clients

Cheniere Energy, Inc.


Midship Pipeline Company, LLC


Freeport LNG Development, L.P.


Tellurian Inc.


Penn America Energy Holdings LLC


EcoEléctrica, L.P.


Braskem S.A.


Enstor Gas, LLC


New Fortress Energy


Work highlights


  • Advised Freeport LNG and its affiliates in proceedings before FERC, DOE and other agencies to obtain authorization to construct and operate the Freeport Liquefaction Project, the first liquefaction and export terminal authorized in the state of Texas.
  • Advising New Fortress Energy in a proceeding before MARAD and the U.S. Coast Guard in connection with an application for all Federal authorizations required for a license to own, construct, and operate a deepwater port for the export of LNG, as well as in a proceeding before DOE for associated export authorizations.
  • Avised Cheniere Energy, Inc. in proceedings before FERC and DOE to expand the Corpus Christi Liquefaction Project, as well as the Corpus Christi Pipeline.

Reed Smith LLP

The energy and natural resources industry group at Reed Smith LLP routinely assists on environmental regulation compliance mandates before the FERC, CFTC and other state-level regulatory bodies, with demonstrable expertise in ancillary litigation matters and ratemaking proceedings. In the firm's Washington DC office, Colette Honorable advises on ratemaking mandates, clean energy integration and performance-based ratemaking issues, while counsel Debra Ann Palmer represents oil and gas pipeline clients in rate and tariff proceedings. Houston-based Stan Perry jointly leads the team alongside London's Prajakt Samant, and Jonathan Marcus left the firm in October 2022.


Practice head(s):

Prajakt Samant; Stan Perry


Other key lawyers:

Colette Honorable; Debra Ann Palmer


Troutman Pepper

Housing a robust FERC practice, Troutman Pepper focuses on all forms of gas regulation, in addition to corresponding facilities and projects, with demonstrable experience in handling rate cases, litigation, enforcement and rulemaking proceedings for prominent industry owners, operators, developers, customers and traders, including major market players such as Dominion Energy and Iroquois Gas. In the firm's Washington DC office, Daniel Archuleta advises on regulation, competition, enforcement and transactional issues before the FERC, state commissions and the Courts of Appeals, while Charlotte-based Mindy McGrath focuses on the federal and state regulation of natural gas pipeline and storage companies, with notable experience in ratemaking, administrative complaints and enforcement mandates. Amie Colby and Brandon Marzo, who jointly lead the practice, operate from Washington DC and Atlanta respectively.


Practice head(s):

Amie Colby; Brandon Marzo


Other key lawyers:

Daniel Archuleta; Mindy McGrath


Key clients

Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.


Spire STL Pipeline LLC


Bluewater Gas Storage


Atmos Energy Corporation


WEC Energy Group Inc.


Upper Midwest Shipper Group


Duke Energy Corporation and its affiliates


Southern Company Gas


Dominion Energy


Washington Gas Company


NW Natural


Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage


Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP’s energy, regulatory and litigation group handles a broad range of energy regulation mandates, with demonstrable capability in handling FERC enforcement and litigation cases. Counting IMG Energy Solutions and TotalEnergies among its key roster of clients, the team’s regulatory expertise extends to rate proceedings, acquisitions, investigations and rulemaking. Jeffrey JakubiakJason Fleischer and Jennifer Mansh left the team in February 2023 to Vinson & Elkins LLP. William Hollaway remains a key contact in the group and handles a variety of oil and gas mandates, including federal regulations and authorizations.

Other key lawyers:

William Hollaway


Key clients

Versant Power


Westlands Water District


IMG Energy Solutions


Neptune Regional Transmission System


TotalEnergies Gas and Power North America, Inc.; TotalEnergies, S.E.; TotalEnergies Gas and Power Ltd.


Hudson Transmission Partners


Berkshire Hathaway Energy Renewables


TC Energy


Tampa Electric Company


Energy Transfer and Rover Pipeline


Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP represents integrated oil and gas companies, natural gas pipeline companies, producers and developers of LNG facilities before the FERC, as well as the EPA and the DOE. This includes handling investigations and rate cases, in addition to all aspects of environmental issues surrounding oil and gas permitting, construction and operations. In the firm's Washington DC office, environmental law expert Deidre Duncan jointly leads the team alongside Dallas-based Myles Reynolds, who frequently acts for natural gas utilities and midstream companies. San Francisco's Shannon Broome is another key contact in the group.

Practice head(s):

Myles Reynolds; Deidre Duncan


Other key lawyers:

Shannon Broome; Chuck Knauss; Shemin Proctor; John Shepherd


Testimonials

‘Very strong practice group. The practice brings deep knowledge in permitting issues combined with an excellent litigation group.’

‘Deidre Duncan has done an excellent job on court litigation that is crucial for permitting of energy infrastructure.’

Key clients

Enbridge Inc.


Crestwood Equity Partners


Energy Transfer Partners and Energy Transfer Equity


Energy Transfer LP


Energy Transfer LP (Sea Robin Pipeline)


Rover Pipeline LLC


ETC Tiger Pipeline, LLC and Rover Pipeline LLC


Trunkline Gas Company, LLC


Stingray Pipeline


NWP 12 Litigation Group


Work highlights


  • Representing client’s subsidiary, Tres Palacios Gas Storage, in the development of an expansion of its natural gas storage facility.
  • Represented interstate pipelines in two separate proceedings in bankruptcy court regarding pipeline customers seeking to modify their FERC-jurisdictional firm transportation agreements in violation of FERC’s recently issued orders addressing the abrogation of such firm transportation agreements based on its application of the Supreme Court’s Mobile-Sierra doctrine.
  • Representing Stingray Pipeline in two certificate applications filed at FERC requesting abandonment authority to sell its onshore and offshore jurisdictional facilities in connection with potential conversion of the onshore line to oil service.

Jones Day

Jones Day has demonstrable experience in handling oil and gas litigation before the FERC, in addition to natural gas project developments, with investigations, audits and enforcement matters forming a large proportion of the team’s caseload. In the firm’s Houston office, James Olsonprovides an excellent service to clients’ and has considerable experience in administrative litigation before the FERC, while David Applebaum focuses on enforcement, compliance and internal investigations. The Houston office is also home to practice head Jeffrey Schlegel and associate Jewel Hand, while James Beh is based in Washington DC.

Practice head(s):

Jeffrey Schlegel


Other key lawyers:

James Olson; James Beh; David Applebaum; Jewel Hand


Testimonials

‘James Olson is a strong leader and the team provides excellent, detailed service to its energy clients.’

‘The Jones Day team has excellent knowledge of the business, having worked for both energy pipeline clients and the pipelines themselves.’

‘Provides excellent communication to the client and keeps the client involved throughout the lengthy process.’

‘James Olson provides an excellent service to clients, while making the role of supporting consultant manageable. Understands the business from soup to nuts.’

‘Jewel Hand has proved to be a very intelligent and provides excellent communication and management of processes. Very likeable and organized.’

Key clients

Tampa Electric Company


Peoples Gas System


TotalEnergies Gas & Power North America, Inc.


Jones Walker LLP

Based in New Orleans, the energy, environment and natural resources group at Jones Walker LLP handles large-scale infrastructure projects in Louisiana, with additional experience assisting upstream exploration and production companies on compliance matters and regulatory litigation before the FERC. Co-chair of the upstream group, Marjorie McKeithen regularly serves as project counsel on infrastructure projects, including hydrogen, biofuels and carbon capture facilities, while fellow co-chair Grady Hurley is noted for his expertise in maritime law, advising on regulatory matters concerning offshore energy exploration, production and distribution. Jonathan Hunter, who acts for clients in the upstream oil and gas sector on regulatory matters, is another key contact in the group.


Practice head(s):

Marjorie McKeithen; Grady Hurley


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Hunter; Alida Hainkel; Lauren Courtney Mastio


Key clients

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.


Arena Energy


BP America


Chevron Phillips Chemical Company


Chevron USA


Enterprise Products Partners


ExxonMobil


FG LA LLC


Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC


Japan Bank


LLOG Exploration Company, LLC


Talos Energy


Taylor Energy Company, LLC


Tellurian


Tidewater, Inc.


W&T Offshore


The Williams Company


Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Kirkland & Ellis LLP handles a range of regulatory issues concerning oil and natural gas pipelines before the FERC, the DOE and CFTC, with additional experience advising on acquisitions, shipper contracts, enforcement cases and appellate litigation. Based in the firm's Washington DC office, Brooksany Barrowes acts for clients across the energy and infrastructure sectors on the regulatory aspects of the purchase of assets, businesses and commodities, while Robert Fleishman specializes in defending clients against charges of market manipulation before the FERC and CFTC.

Practice head(s):

Brooksany Barrowes; Robert Fleishman


Other key lawyers:

Marcia Hook; Andrew Stuyvenberg


Key clients

The Rise Fund


Alta Resources Development, LLC


Archaea Energy Inc.


Whiting Petroleum Corporation


TPG Rise Climate LP


Element Markets


Ultra Petroleum Corp.


Energy Transfer Partners


EQT Corporation


Devon Corporation


ArcLight Clean Transition Corp. II


Colgate Energy Partners III


Gulfport Energy Corporation


Tailwater Capital, LLC


TPG Rise Climate LP


MAS Energy, LLC