Washington DC-based Steptoe LLP stands out in the market for its team’s expertise in representing major pipeline companies before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and appellate courts, while also handling a number of energy-related litigation on behalf of natural gas pipeline companies, ranging from pipeline transactions, pipeline safety and accident response, to FERC enforcement issues. Here is practice head Daniel Poynor the key contact, while Joshua Runyan notably focuses on litigation related to the construction, operation, and maintenance of large pipeline projects on federal, state, local, tribal, and private land. Co-head of the firm’s commercial litigation group, Jennifer Quinn-Barabanov concentrates her capabilities on commercial and class action disputes, where she acts for public utilities, pipelines, and other energy companies. Monique Watson has left the firm.
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Accolades
Client satisfaction
Key clients
- Colonial Pipeline Company
- Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership
- Liquid Energy Pipeline Association
- ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.
- Northern Natural Gas Company
- Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
- Magellan Midstream Partners
Work highlights
- Advised Colonial in relation to a series of complaints, which were filed with FERC, challenging all of its rates, including its market-based rates and market-based ratemaking authority, as well as its indexed rates.
- Defended Enbridge with respect to the State of Michigan’s attempt to shut down the portion of Line 5 that runs under the Straights of Mackinac and related litigation.
- Advised Northern Natural Gas in an administrative hearing to increase its transportation rates.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
Daniel Poynor
Other key lawyers
Joshua Runyan; Jennifer Quinn-Barabanov