James J. Hoecker, J.D., Ph.D

James J. Hoecker, J.D., Ph.DJames J. Hoecker, J.D., Ph.DJames J. Hoecker, J.D., Ph.DJames J. Hoecker, J.D., Ph.D

Hoecker Energy Law & Policy - WIRES - Rail Electrification Council - Husch Blackwell

James J. Hoecker, J.D., Ph.D

James J. Hoecker, J.D., Ph.DJames J. Hoecker, J.D., Ph.DJames J. Hoecker, J.D., Ph.D
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    Welcome!

    Jim Hoecker

    Energy Attorney – Consultant – Administrator – Civic Leader

    Press Releases

    06/22/2020

    Macro Grid Initiative Launches to Expand and Upgrade America’s Transmission Network 

    “In this transformative and turbulent period, the nation cannot afford to neglect innovation and investment in a clean, economically efficient, and market-driven energy future. Unless an integrated, inter-regional transmission grid can be established, much of our best renewable energy will remain inaccessible to consumers and industry and the anticipated growth in the use of electricity for transportation will not be met. Overcoming the barriers to siting long-line transmission facilities is a critical task before us and new industry partnerships will be key. We support this “breakthrough” initiative as a refreshing recognition of a frequently unrecognized need.” - Jim Hoecker

    Download press release

    02/12/2020

    Former FERC Chairman Hoecker's New Focus on Railroad Electrification

    "The coming electrification of many transportation sectors in North America promises sweeping economic and environmental benefits to consumers and the climate. Our historic railroad companies can be important partners In this development." - Jim Hoecker

    Download press release

    Newly Published

    • Macro Grid Initiative Launches to Expand and Upgrade America’s Transmission Network (June 2020)
    • White Paper: The Value of Rail Electrification (April 2020)
    • "Transmission Development" [Interview], Public Utilities Fortnightly (December 2019) 
    • "Happy Birthday and Thank You, O2K (Order 2000)!" Utility Dive (December 2019) 
    • FERC Chairs Since 1993 Mark the 20th Anniversary of FERC Order No. 2000, Americans for Clean Energy Grid (December 2019) 

    New Endeavors

    Rail Electrification Council (REC)

     The REC is  established  to  promote  the  adoption  of  electricity  as  the  principal  motive  power of domestic railroad (freight and/or passengers) transportation and as an enabler of electric grid integration and innovation.  The REC will embark on this mission through support for constructive public policies and regulation, development of helpful standards and best practices, effective communications and education, and innovative commercial product  development  that  benefits  NEMA  member  companies,    non-NEMA  REC  members, and the public’s interest in robust energy and transportation infrastructures.  


    Documents available for download:

    Rail Electrification Council (REC) - 2020 Strategic Planning Document 

    What REC Offers and Why Now (MS-Word)

    Value of Rail Electrification (White Paper)

    Incentive NOPR 

    International Pipeline Resilience Organization (IPRO)

    A new organization to manage and mitigate cyber risk to oil and natural gas pipeline operations in the digital environment.  For more, visit pipelineresilience.org


    Documents available for download:

    IPRO Prospectus

    Also Noteworthy

    2021 State Rail Plan: Nevada Department of Transportation - Section on RAIL ELECTRIFICATION

    Section on  RAIL ELECTRIFICATION written by James Hoecker on Behalf of the Rail Electrification Council. 

    View document

    In the news: Transmission Troubles? A Solution Could Be Lying Along Rail Lines and Next Generation H

    Multiple studies show the need for interregional transmission is growing and proposals for streamlining siting will help, but cost allocation remains a barrier 

    View article

    In the news: Biden’s Energy Agenda Hinges on FERC, Red States

    President-elect Joe Biden is set to face red-state opposition as he seeks to carry out his clean energy agenda. 

    View article

    Challenge to Proposed Repeal of EPA Clean Power Plan By Former FERC Regulators

    The Trump Administration proposed to repeal EPA’s Clean Power Plan, which was adopted in 2015. The CPP required state regulators  to order reductions in  greenhouse gas and other emissions from coal-fired power plants.  The repeal was based on (1) a potential threat to electric  reliability from loss of baseload generation and (2) EPA’s alleged encroachment on FERC authority under the Federal Power Act.  As one of the “friends of the court” in American Lung Association v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Case 19-1140, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit – attached), former FERC Chairman Hoecker and other former regulators argued on brief in April that the CPP was a valid exercise of EPA authority and does not affect either  FERC’s regulatory authority or electric reliability.  The case has not yet been argued.  

    View ALA v EPA Brief

    Webinar: ACEG and FERC Chairs Mark the 20th anniversary of FERC Order No. 2000

     On December 19, 1999, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission enacted Order No. 2000, which encouraged the formation of Regional Transmission Organizations, under the leadership of then Chairman James Hoecker. In a December Op-Ed in Utility Dive, former Chair Hoecker, an ACEG Director, said that, “Order No. 2000, or ‘O2K,’ has long since exceeded our modest expectations in producing economic, reliability, and (I maintain) environmental benefits for electricity consumers.”  

    Watch the Webinar

    Professional Background

    Legal Counsel & Advisor

    Federal Energy Regulatory (FERC) Leadership

    Federal Energy Regulatory (FERC) Leadership

    Practitioner of energy law since 1979

    • Senior Counsel & Energy Strategist, Husch Blackwell LLP (2008 - )
    • Principal, Hoecker Energy Law and Policy PLLC, (2005 - ) 
    • Formerly Partner at Jones Day and Vinson & Elkins

    Federal Energy Regulatory (FERC) Leadership

    Federal Energy Regulatory (FERC) Leadership

    Federal Energy Regulatory (FERC) Leadership

    • Chairman (1997-2001)
    • Commissioner (1993-1997)
    • Assistant General Counsel (1984-1988)  

    Boards of Directors

    Federal Energy Regulatory (FERC) Leadership

    Boards of Directors

    • Lead Director, Allegheny Energy ( 2002-2003)
    • Northland College (WI), (1989-2004)
    • Graywolf Press, (2010-2017)
    • Americans For A Clean Energy Grid, (2015- present) 
    • Energy Systems Integration Group (2019 – present)

    WIRES, LLC

    Biographical

    Boards of Directors

    The major international non-profit trade association in the electric transmission space. 

    • Founder, Counsel, and Executive Director (2005-2020)

    Biographical

    Biographical

    Biographical

    • Full Biography
    • Speaker Biography

    Personal

     Mr. Hoecker has published and spoken widely.  A native of Wisconsin, Mr. Hoecker has lived in Virginia for 40 years. He received his B.A. from Northland College, Ashland, Wisconsin, in 1967; a M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky, in 1970 and 1975 respectively; and his Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1978. Mr. Hoecker also taught history at the University of Kentucky and Adrian College before entering the legal profession. He is married to Rebecca Evans Hoecker. They have two grown children and four grandchildren.


    Contact Jim

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    Focal points

    Capitol Building, Washington, DC

    Energy Law & Policy

    • Regulatory and legislative affairs representation
    • Regulatory risk assessment
    • Organization management
    • Railroad  electrification
    • Administrative litigation and compliance   
    • Administrative rulemaking and policy formation
    • Congressional and expert testimony
    • NEPA and environmental analysis
    • Strategic planning advice
    • Innovation

    The Electrified Economy

    Video exploring the interconnections between our economy and the electron super-highway. 

    Contact Jim

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