Joe has over thirty years of experience providing counsel to clients on electric regulatory and environmental permitting matters. His practice includes representation of clients before federal agencies and commissions including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Park Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Department of Energy and Department of the Interior.
Joe serves as regulatory counsel to public and investor-owned electric utilities before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). His FERC practice includes counselling on open access transmission policies and wholesale energy market rules, lead counsel in administrative hearings and settlements, and engagement on regulatory and policy initiatives. Joe also advises clients on large-scale, linear projects subject to federal environmental review and permitting requirements under the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental statutes.
A common element to Joe’s practice is his ability to synthesize the in-depth, technical components of utility systems, energy markets and individual project development with complex federal regulatory schemes. In addition, Joe has significant experience litigating before state and federal courts in the District of Columbia, California and Texas, and before federal administrative agencies.
Prior to private practice, Joe served on the legislative staffs of former Sen. James A. McClure (R-ID) and Rep. Larry E. Craig (R-ID), where he worked primarily on agricultural and budget matters.
Joe is the Co-Coordinator of Van Ness Feldman's electric practice.