Washington, D.C. (March 1, 2005) – Expanding the reach of its strong regulatory practice into the energy industry, Washington-based Venable LLP has added Richard E. Powers, Jr. and Steven A. Adducci as partners to the firm’s Regulatory Group.
Mr. Powers and Mr. Adducci join Venable from the Washington office of Dorsey & Whitney LLP, where Mr. Powers served as that office’s Partner-in-Charge and Co-Chair of the firm’s Environmental, Natural Resources and Energy Group.
Mr. Powers and Mr. Adducci have experience on both the national and international level in all areas of the energy business, including oil, natural gas, electric, hydroelectric and renewable energy matters. They frequently appear in regulatory compliance hearings and trial proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and are involved in proceedings before the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Securities and Exchange Commission, state utility commissions, federal courts and arbitration forums.
Their practice also involves transactional work on the purchase, sale, and financing of energy, energy properties, transportation, storage and distribution facilities, and refining and gas processing facilities, including small power generation, cogeneration, hydroelectric, solar and biomass facilities.
“With the growing importance of the energy sector during this Congress, bringing Dick and Steve aboard is very timely,” said Brock R. Landry, co-chair of Venable’s Government Division. “Their practice is a natural extension of the regulatory work we have been doing in such areas as homeland security and transportation.”
Their representations of foreign governments have spanned the globe, working with companies in Colombia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iraq, Mexico, Yemen, and the Russian Federation.
“We were looking for a firm that can handle high-profile, complex projects both in the United States and abroad, as well as have a strong DC-area presence,” said Mr. Powers. “We quickly found that combination at Venable.”
“Energy is a key growing player in the regulatory marketplace,” said Mr. Adducci. “The depth and experience of the partners in Venable’s regulatory practice made it a great home for us and will allow us to give the best representation to our clients.”
Mr. Powers and Mr. Adducci have worked on mineral laws and regulations, as well as contracts for exploration and development of natural resources. They have represented developers on a pipeline project in Eastern Europe and on hydroelectric and pipeline projects in Africa. They provide general business advice and draft and negotiate agreements for various international transactions and work with international organizations, including World Bank Group and Export/Import Bank and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.
Both Mr. Powers and Mr. Adducci have also represented foreign and domestic corporations in connection with the Iraqi reconstruction efforts, including oil-field reconstruction efforts.
Recently, they have been involved in regulatory successes at FERC including: bringing the first case to reopen rates “grandfathered” by the Energy Policy Act of 1992; defeating three applications for market-based rate authority; and opposing several proposed rate increases and obtaining lower rates and/or refunds in all instances.
Mr. Powers and Mr. Adducci also work on environmental concerns and renewable energy matters. In connection with an integrated energy complex, they represent a Greenfield developer, who is developing a multi-faceted complex that will include the construction of environmentally friendly cow condos. The complex would have a digester for the production of electricity with plans to integrate energy production from solar and natural gas. They also represent one of the world’s leading solar energy companies in connection with the development of the first large-scale solar energy facility to be built in 15 years.
“A legal practice focused on energy,” commented Mr. Powers, “puts you at the cutting edge of a lot of environmental science. I feel I’m making a contribution for the next generation.” Mr. Powers earned his J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School and his B.S. from Gonzaga University. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Regents for Gonzaga and as a member of The Bretton Woods Committee. Mr. Adducci earned his J.D. from the University of North Dakota School of Law, and his B.A. from the University of North Dakota.
One of the American Lawyer’s top 100 law firms, Venable LLP has attorneys practicing in all areas of corporate and business law, complex litigation, intellectual property and government affairs. Venable serves corporate, institutional, governmental, nonprofit and individual clients throughout the U.S. and around the world from its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and offices in California, Maryland, New York and Virginia. For more, visit www.Venable.com.