Partner
Energy Regulation
Chambers USA, 2021–2026
Suzanne counsels clients with respect to regulated and unregulated midstream assets. Specifically, Suzanne focuses on FERC regulatory requirements and compliance with FERC regulations, including creation of regulatory compliance and internal audit programs, rate regulation of natural gas pipelines and storage companies, and regulatory requirements at FERC for developing liquids and natural gas pipelines. Suzanne also works with clients on the negotiations of midstream agreements, including for service on interstate gas and liquids pipelines, gathering pipelines, processing facilities, storage terminal agreements, agreements for the purchase and sale of commodities, gas rights agreements and related facilities agreements for renewable natural gas.
Participates in the preparation, filing, and prosecution of certificate applications and requests for abandonment authorization at FERC involving major interstate natural gas companies located in the United States, including expansion projects, and new greenfield pipeline and storage facility projects
Represented a major natural gas pipeline company in a rate case proceeding and defended settlement over opposition before the FERC
Represented a major natural gas pipeline company in a rate case proceeding before the FERC
Represented a major interstate natural gas pipeline located in the United States in connection with obtaining regulatory approvals from FERC for negotiated rate agreements with customers and tariff revisions
Created and implemented regulatory compliance initiatives for major United States natural gas pipelines, along with the drafting and implementation of internal compliance manuals for major United States natural gas pipelines
Advised clients regarding jurisdictional analysis of pipelines, including gathering determinations, Section 311 regulations, and Hinshaw regulations
Advised a developer of interstate refined products pipelines on the Gulf Coast regarding FERC rate and tariff requirements for new pipelines, including associated policies regarding shipper commitments, open seasons, and the filing of a petition for declaratory order
Represented a major E&P company in the negotiation of a portfolio of midstream agreements related to a joint venture with another major midstream company related to the construction and use of midstream facilities
Represented a major E&P company in negotiating revisions to midstream agreements in order to make the underlying production assets attractive for potential buyers
Represented clients in the negotiation of midstream agreements and amendments to existing midstream agreements
Advised numerous clients in sales and acquisitions of oil and gas assets, including pipeline and production assets, regarding regulatory issues, including obtaining FERC approvals for the assignment of transportation agreements
Education
Admissions
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
Podcasts
Powering Progress Episode 3 – The Fuel Behind the Future: How AI Gets Its Power
As demand for computing power grows, so does the need for reliable and scalable energy supply. For many projects, that …
May 5, 2026
May 5, 2026 • 9-minute read
Client Alerts
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
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
Deals & Cases
Vinson & Elkins, L.L.P. represented affiliates of Tallgrass Energy, LP, in connection with the entry into a definitive agreement for …
September 10, 2026
September 10, 2026 • 1-minute read
Deals & Cases
Vinson & Elkins Advises Diameter Capital on Investment in Delfin Midstream
Vinson & Elkins served as counsel to Diameter Capital in its investment in Delfin Midstream Inc. (“Delfin”). Delfin is developing …
July 31, 2026
July 31, 2026 • 1-minute read
Deals & Cases
Vinson & Elkins Advises Blackbeard Holdings in $2.2 Billion Combination
Vinson & Elkins advised Blackbeard Holdings, LLC (“Blackbeard”), a portfolio company of NGP Energy Capital Management, in its entry into …
July 29, 2026
July 29, 2026 • 2-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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