Counsel
Energy Regulation
Michael’s practice focuses on assisting energy industry clients in a wide range of regulatory, litigation, and transactional matters. He has advised clients in the midstream and power industries on numerous issues related to certificate and rate proceedings; state and federal appellate proceedings; transactional matters regarding the production, gathering, and transportation of natural gas, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and liquids; and various jurisdictional and regulatory matters related to emerging energy technologies. Michael also works with clients in rule-making proceedings and other administrative matters, broadly touching upon energy industry policy.
Counselled natural gas pipeline companies during the preparation, filing, and prosecution of numerous rate case proceedings before the FERC
Advised clients regarding jurisdictional analysis and general regulatory concerns regarding pipelines transporting hydrogen, methanol, and carbon dioxide
Represented natural gas pipeline companies in preparation and filing of certificate applications and requests for abandonment authorization at FERC
Represented and advised investor-owned utility during extensive state regulatory rate and prudence proceedings associated with first-of-a-kind power generation and carbon sequestration project
Represented clients in the negotiation of contracts for the purchase and sale of natural gas
Represented investor-owned utility and made oral presentation to state regulator during renewable energy-related rulemaking proceedings
Conducted regulatory assessments and due diligence in connection with acquisitions of natural gas pipelines facilities and liquids pipeline facilities
Education
Admissions
Client Alerts
The CFTC’s New Enforcement Policy and its Interplay with FERC Enforcement
On May 19, 2026, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC” or the “Commission”) Division of Enforcement issued a new staff …
May 27, 2026
May 27, 2026 • 9-minute read
Client Alerts
New Administration: Key Energy Issues Tied to Executive Orders
After little more than a week in office, there is still plenty of speculation, but priorities of the Trump 2.0 Administration are becoming more concrete.
January 29, 2025 • V&E Energy Update
January 29, 2025 • 19-minute read
Deals & Cases
Vinson & Elkins advised FTAI Infrastructure Inc. (NASDAQ: FIP) in the acquisition of the Port Arthur Terminal in Port Arthur, …
September 28, 2026
September 28, 2026 • 1-minute read
Deals & Cases
Vinson & Elkins represented NextEra Energy, Inc in securing a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantee of up to …
September 9, 2026
September 9, 2026 • 1-minute read
Deals & Cases
Vinson & Elkins represented Banco Santander, S.A., New York Branch, as coordinating lead arranger and lender, in connection with senior …
July 9, 2026
July 9, 2026 • 1-minute read
Awards & Rankings
The Legal 500 US 2026 recommended Vinson & Elkins as a leading law firm in 47 practice categories. In total, …
June 10, 2026
June 10, 2026 • 3-minute read
Deals & Cases
Vinson & Elkins Advises Intersect on Google Data Center in Texas
Vinson & Elkins is advising Intersect in connection with the development of the Meitner Energy Center for Google. Located in …
June 9, 2026
June 9, 2026 • 1-minute read
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