Energy Law

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Our attorneys have represented clients in the energy industry for decades, and we work tirelessly to ensure that our clients are well-positioned in the market and meet all regulatory requirements for their industries. We work frequently with regulators, staff, and industry stake-holders, and our attorneys have been recognized as energy law leaders: Katherine McDowell, Lisa Rackner, and Kirk Gibson have all been selected as "Best Lawyers in America" in energy law for many years.

Our energy clients include major gas and electric investor-owned utilities, energy and gas cooperatives and public utility districts, and developers and purchasers of electric facilities. Our attorneys have represented clients in the energy industry for decades, and we work tirelessly to ensure that our clients are well-positioned in the market and in compliance with all regulatory requirements for their industries. We have appeared before state and federal regulatory commissions throughout the West on behalf of our clients, including the following:

• Public Utility Commission of Oregon
• Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
• Regulatory Commission of Alaska
• Public Service Commission of Utah
• Idaho Public Utility Commission
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
• Bonneville Power Administration

We work frequently with regulators, staff and industry stake-holders, and our attorneys have been recognized as energy law leaders: Katherine McDowell has been included in the Best Lawyers in America in energy and public utility law for many years, and Lisa Rackner has been included in Best Lawyers in America in both energy and administrative law. Both Katherine and Lisa have been listed in Oregon Super Lawyer for energy law, and Amie Jamieson was recently named by Oregon Super Lawyer as an energy law "rising star" Kirk Gibson has been selected by his peers for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America in energy and oil/gas law for many years.

Regulatory Advising

At McDowell Rackner & Gibson PC, we provide our clients with comprehensive regulatory advice. We understand the interlocking frameworks of state and federal laws and regulations governing both small companies and major industry players. We provide our clients with the most up-to-date advice to help them comply with the relevant laws and, more importantly, participate in the legislative and regulatory process of shaping and developing the policies with which they will need to comply in the future.

Compliance Advice: Our clients are governed by complex legal frameworks at the state, federal and municipal levels. As our clients' businesses increasingly reach out to regional and national markets, compliance with those frameworks becomes more challenging. Our attorneys have a strong background in regulatory law, and we work closely with our clients to ensure that they comply with all regulatory requirements without sacrificing their business goals. We provide compliance advice with respect to all aspects of business development and maintenance, including:

• Business formation
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Local franchising advice

Public Policy Advice: Helping our clients to shape public policy is the foundation of our practice. At state public utilities commissions and legislatures, our attorneys represent clients in all aspects of public policy development. From state and federal policy dockets and rulemaking proceedings to legislative hearings, we work closely with our clients to understand what regulatory changes will be most to their advantage, and work creatively and proactively to anticipate and influence policy changes.

Representative energy clients:

• PacifiCorp (OR/WA/ID/WY/UT/AZ)
• Northwest Natural Gas Company (OR/WA)
• Idaho Power Company (ID/OR)
• Golden Valley Electric Association, Inc. (AK)
• Columbia River People's Utility District (OR)
• Public Utility District No. 1 of Jefferson County (WA)
• Portland General Electric Company (OR)

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