Capitalizing on his experience as an Attorney Advisor at the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Joe leverages his extensive knowledge of pipeline safety to advise clients in the oil and gas sector on how to comply with PHSMA’s regulatory framework and processes. Joe also counsels clients on enforcement matters before PHMSA, as well as before state agencies, working with in-house counsel, engineers, and consultants to prepare thoughtful, well-supported factual and legal arguments that will support progress, while ensuring the preservation of due process. Joe also adds extensive knowledge on matters related to the jurisdiction and classification questions of natural gas and hazardous liquid gathering lines, underground natural gas storage, and on federal enforcement of third-party excavation damage incidents.

Prior to his government service, Joe worked as a trial attorney, litigating a broad range of complex civil and criminal matters in both state and federal courts.

Outside of his practice, Joe enjoys spending time with his two daughters, playing basketball, participating in triathlons, and exploring nature through hikes and travel.

  • Experience
    • Served as the attorney for PHMSA’s Western Region, including Alaska and Hawaii offices, as well as PHMSA’s Central Region.
    • Served as Chair of PHMSA’s Litigation Practice Group, where he was responsible for developing litigation strategy in consultation with the Department of Justice on all matters filed in federal courts involving PHMSA.
    • Developed PHMSA’s streamlined final order process to improve efficiency in PHMSA’s enforcement regime.
    • Advised the rulemaking implementation team that trains program personnel on all new PHMSA regulations.
    • Advised the Office of Pipeline Safety throughout the following rulemaking efforts: (1) Safety of Gas Transmission Pipelines: MAOP Reconfirmation, Expansion of Assessment Requirements and Other Related Amendments (“Mega Rule” part 1 - 84 FR 52180); (2) Safety of Gas Gathering Pipelines: Extension of Reporting Requirements, Regulation of Large, High-Pressure Lines, and Other Related Amendments (“Mega Rule” part 2 - 86 FR 63266); (3) Unusually Sensitive Areas for the Great Lakes, Coastal Beaches, and Certain Coastal Waters (86 FR 73173); and (4) Safety of Underground Natural Gas Storage Facilities (85 FR 8104).
    • Advised the Office of Pipeline Safety in the development of FAQs related to the above Final Rules.
    • Advised the Office of Pipeline Safety on updates to the MOU between the Department of Transportation (DOT) and  the Department of Interior (DOI) re: outer continental shelf pipelines and provided counsel on the implementation of other federal MOUs regarding coordination between agencies responsible for the regulation of pipeline and LNG facilities.
    • Provided legal counsel to the agency in responding to, and closing out, Congressional mandates, National Transportation Safety Board recommendations, and GAO reports.
    • Developed and prosecuted enforcement actions against pipeline operators for violations of the pipeline safety laws.
    • Served as an adjudicating official for certain contested enforcement cases.
    • Engaged in informal consultations and settlement negotiations with regulated entities over contested issues related to PHMSA’s exercise of statutory and regulatory authority.
  • Professional Affiliations

    Fellowship of the Litigation Counsel of America

    Member, 2018 - Present

  • Awards & Honors
    Chambers USA
    Energy: PHMSA Specialists 2024

    Department of Transportation

    • Secretary Award, 2022
    • Superior Achievement Award - Team Bronze Award, 2021
    • Mission Support Employee of the Year Award, 2020
    • PHMSA Administrator Award, 2020
    • General Counsel's Bronze Medal Superior Individual Achievement Award, 2019
    • PHMSA Administrator Team Award for Innovation, 2019

  • Bar & Court Admissions
    District of Columbia Bar
    Maryland State Bar
    U.S. Supreme Court
    United States District Court for the District of Columbia
    United States District Court for the District of Maryland
  • Government Service

    U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

    Attorney Advisor, 2016-2023

  • News & Presentations

    News

    Presentations

    LEPA 2024 Annual Business Meeting(9/17/2024)
    Presenter, Hearings and Enforcement: FERC and PHMSA
    Liquid Energy Pipeline Association
    Nashville, Tennessee
    AGA Annual Legal Forum(7/21/2024)
    Presenter, Overview of PHMSA, Pipeline Safety Regulations, and Enforcement
    American Gas Association
    Vail, Colorado
    Special Institute on Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage(3/7/2024)
    Presenter, CO2 Pipeline Safety Regulation: A Renewed Focus
    The Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law
    Houston, Texas
  • Thought Leadership

Education

The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law J.D., 2009

College of Charleston B.A., 2004