James J. Hoecker, a former chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, joins Husch Blackwell Sanders’ Washington, D.C., office as a senior counsel. A nationally recognized energy advisor, Hoecker will be focusing primarily on emerging markets in the
wholesale electric and natural gas areas.
Husch Blackwell Sanders is also announcing a new strategic alliance with
Hoecker Energy Law & Policy PLLC. HELP, which will continue to represent certain electric transmission firms, was founded by Hoecker to assist energy providers, customers, and public-policy makers with economic regulatory, environmental, and climate change policy issues, especially as they affect the electric power industry.
"There are only a handful of individuals that have Jim’s insight into energy law and policy. His experience extends over a quarter century and includes oil and natural gas, electric power, hydropower, and related environmental and safety issues," said Co-chairman David A. Fenley. He added, "We are extremely pleased that he has chosen to join our firm and help our clients."
Inside and outside government, Hoecker has focused his representations on electric utilities, utility investors, transmission companies, and gas and oil pipelines on the energy adequacy, security, and reliability issues raised by new laws and evolving regulatory policy, environmental and infrastructure challenges, and global warming initiatives.
Prior to rejoining private practice, Hoecker served as chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from 1997-2001 during the Clinton Administration. During the nearly eight years he served as FERC chairman and, before that, FERC commissioner, he was responsible for instituting regional transmission organizations to administer the bulk electric power system and streamlining regulatory processes. Hoecker was assistant general counsel for Gas and Oil Litigation at FERC from 1996 to 1998, as well as assistant general counsel for Rulemaking and Legislative Analysis.
Hoecker earned a J.D. (1978) from the University of Wisconsin Law School, a Ph.D (1975) and M.A. (1970) from the University of Kentucky, and a B.A. (1967) from Northland College.