Jay advises natural gas and liquids pipeline and storage clients on various complex regulatory issues, regulatory compliance matters, and federal energy policy trends. He also focuses on administrative litigation, representing regulated pipelines and storage companies before various federal and state agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), in rate cases, certificate proceedings, complaint proceedings and audit and investigation matters. Jay advises clients regarding the jurisdictional and regulatory landscape for energy asset mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and other business combinations. He also counsels clients regarding contracting for the transportation, purchase and sale of energy commodities.
Experience
Represented an interstate pipeline company in the preparation, filing, and prosecution of an application for FERC certificate approval of a major pipeline expansion designed to transport Marcellus Shale natural gas supplies to Northeast and Gulf Coast markets
Represented a New England interstate pipeline company in the preparation and prosecution of a general Section 4 rate case before the FERC
Represented a midcontinent interstate pipeline company in defending a Section 5 rate investigation before the FERC
Represented a Texas intrastate pipeline company in the preparation, filing, and prosecution of an application for Section 3 authorization and a Presidential Permit for the construction and operation of pipeline facilities extending across the international border between the United States and Mexico
Represented storage company located in Michigan in the preparation, filing, and prosecution of an application for Section 3 authorization and a Presidential Permit for the construction and operation of a pipeline header system extension across the international border between the United States and Canada
Represented an interstate pipeline company in the preparation and prosecution of an application for FERC abandonment approval to allow a major segment of a natural gas pipeline system to be repurposed for transportation of alternate products
Represented an interstate pipeline company in the preparation, filing, and prosecution of an application for FERC certificate approval of a major greenfield pipeline extension and long-haul system reversal designed to transport Utica Shale natural gas supplies to Gulf Coast markets
Represented a pipeline company in obtaining final abandonment approval from FERC to allow an interstate pipeline system to be repurposed to serve as part of an offshore LNG export facility
Represented an interstate pipeline company in the preparation, filing, and prosecution of an application for FERC certificate approval of a major pipeline expansion designed to transport Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale natural gas supplies to Midwest markets
Represented a major shale producer in the preparation and negotiation of pipeline transportation agreements for the delivery of natural gas production to Midwestern markets
Represented a Rocky Mountain liquids pipeline company in the preparation of a pipeline lease agreement governing the company’s lease of a long-haul pipeline segment to be integrated into the company’s liquids pipeline system
Represented a pipeline company in the preparation, filing, and prosecution of an application for FERC certificate approval for the construction and operation of a new greenfield interstate pipeline system designed to serve the Florida market
Represented a major shale producer in the preparation and negotiation of a pipeline transportation agreement for the delivery of ethane to Gulf Coast markets
Represented a natural gas storage company in the preparation, filing, and prosecution of an application for FERC certificate approval for the construction and operation of major Northeast greenfield storage facility, and for market-based rate authorization for related storage services
Represented a major shale producer in the preparation and negotiation of pipeline transportation agreements for the delivery of natural gas production to Gulf Coast markets
Represented a natural gas pipeline company in gas quality and interchangeability proceeding before the FERC
Represented a pipeline company in the negotiation and preparation of agreements governing its joint undivided ownership interest in interstate natural gas pipeline facilities
Represented a pipeline company in the preparation, filing, and prosecution of applications for FERC Section 3 and Section 7 certificate approvals and a Presidential Permit for the construction and operation of a new greenfield interstate pipeline system designed to serve the Northeast market
Legal 500 U.S., “Leading Lawyer” in Energy: Regulatory, 2017–2019; Energy Regulation: Conventional Power, 2020–2022 and 2024; Energy Regulation: Oil & Gas, 2018–2025; “Leading Lawyer” in Energy Regulation: Oil & Gas, 2018–2025; Energy Regulation: Electric Power, 2025 and 2026; “Leading Partner” in Energy Regulation: Oil & Gas, 2026
Expert Guides, Best of the Best Global, Energy and Natural Resources, 2022
Expert Guides, Best of the Best USA, Energy and Natural Resources, 2022
Legal Media Group’s (Euromoney’s) Expert Guide to the World’s Leading Energy and Natural Resource Lawyers, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2016
Selected to the Texas Super Lawyers list, Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters), 2014−2025
Selected to the 500 Leading Energy Lawyers, Lawdragon, 2023–2026
In a significant order addressing the rate design and regulatory compliance obligations of intrastate pipelines providing interstate transportation service under Section 311 of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 (“NGPA”), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC” or the “Commission”) has clarified the application of the Straight-Fixed Variable (“SFV”) rate design methodology and minimum rate requirements applicable to pipelines offering service under NGPA Section 311.
Vinson & Elkins is pleased to offer this round-up of recent developments in federal enforcement, with a particular emphasis on changes during the first few months of the second Trump administration.
On July 3, 2025, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC” or the “Commission”), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“Army Corps”), and the Departments of Energy (“DOE”), Interior (“DOI”), Transportation (“DOT”), Agriculture (“USDA”), and Defense (“DOD”) released sweeping updates to their regulations and procedures implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”).
On May 16, 2025, the Texas Supreme Court issued a decision ruling that, absent specific contractual language, surface owners retain ownership of the caverns created by salt mining operations.
The Best Lawyers in America (BL Rankings, LLC) has named 125 Vinson & Elkins lawyers in its “Best Lawyers” category in the 2026 edition. Additionally, 76 Vinson & Elkins attorneys have been named in the “Ones to Watch” category, which recognizes lawyers with 5–10 years’ experience. Some individuals are listed in more than one practice area, giving the firm a total of 305 rankings.
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