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Howard L. Nelson

Howard L. Nelson has more than 30 years of regulatory and litigation experience, the majority of which has been related to energy matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), state public utility commissions, and the Court of Appeals. His litigation experience includes representing parties in major interstate natural gas and petroleum pipeline hearings involving complex multiparty major rate cases, and in certificate, LNG licensing, restructuring, tariff, fuel, gas quality, merger, and interconnection proceedings. He also advises clients on virtually all aspects of natural gas, including LNG, and oil pipeline regulation, including project development, the design of transportation and storage services and rates, negotiating and drafting contracts, strategic planning, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Howard has also assisted clients with due diligence investigations concerning acquisitions and financings of electric, solar and wind assets. Finally, Howard has briefed and argued several cases at the D.C. Circuit and 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

In an 8-0 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed a D.C. Circuit ruling that had blocked construction of a new 88-mile freight railroad line, clarifying the scope of impacts that federal agencies must consider under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Continue Reading Landmark Supreme Court Decision Limits NEPA Review Scope: Agencies Granted ‘Substantial Deference’ in Environmental Assessments

On April 23, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced plans to implement unprecedented emergency procedures to fast-track permitting for energy and critical minerals projects on federal lands. 
Continue Reading Department of the Interior to Adopt Expedited NEPA Permitting Procedures for Energy and Minerals Projects on Federal Lands

On Jan. 9, 2020, the Trump administration’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) proposed rules that would update comprehensively the regulations promulgated under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the
Continue Reading Trump Administration Proposes Significant Streamlining of National Environmental Policy Act

On Aug. 1, 2016, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issued its Final Guidance for Federal Departments and Agencies on Consideration of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Effects of Climate
Continue Reading CEQ Issues Measured Final Guidance for Federal Agencies in their Consideration of GHG Emissions in NEPA Reviews