Overview

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

Credentials

Education

  • South Texas College of Law, J.D. summa cum laude, 1993 (Order of the Lytae; Phi Delta Phi)
  • Southern Methodist University, B.B.A., 1985

Admissions

  • Texas

Recognitions

  • Chambers Global, Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) (USA), 2019–2026
  • Chambers USA, Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation) (Nationwide), 2013–2026
  • The Best Lawyers in America© (BL Rankings, LLC), (Houston): Energy Law, 2014–2027; Oil & Gas Law, 2014–2023, 2025–2027
  • The Best Lawyers in America© (BL Rankings, LLC), “Lawyer of the Year,” (Houston): Energy Law, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2024, and 2026; Oil and Gas Law, 2026
  • 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
Insights

Client Alerts

FERC Streamlines Natural Gas Permitting in Support of Infrastructure

On June 18, 2026, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC” or the “Commission”) announced two orders at its June 2026 …

June 22, 2026

June 22, 2026 • 7-minute read

Client Alerts

FERC States that It Clarifies Applicability of SFV Rate Design Methodology to NGPA Section 311 Pipelines

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.

December 22, 2025 • V&E Energy Update

December 22, 2025 • 5-minute read

Jonah Energy Completes $750 Million Securitized Financing Background Image

Client Alerts

Government Enforcement Semi-annual Roundup

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.

September 10, 2025

September 10, 2025 • 1-minute read

Client Alerts

The New NEPA: Federal Agencies Overhaul Procedures for Environmental Reviews

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”).

July 11, 2025 • V&E Environmental Update

July 11, 2025 • 11-minute read

Environmental Series Background Decorative Image

Client Alerts

Texas Supreme Court Clarifies Ownership of Salt Caverns

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.

June 12, 2025 • V&E Energy Update

June 12, 2025 • 4-minute read

AOL - Texas Property Tax Disputes(1)
News & Achievements