Senior Attorney, Texas Clean Affordable Power

Put your passion and skills to work, building a vital Earth – for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 1,000 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

Position Overview

The Senior Attorney, Texas Clean Affordable Power leads EDF’s legal and regulatory advocacy in support of clean energy in Texas. This primarily comprises representing EDF before ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) for utility practices that support timely, affordable electrification. This position also supports EDF’s legislative advocacy and civil litigation related to clean energy, particularly with respect to Texas. The Senior Attorney works in close coordination with EDF’s State Director for Texas as well as colleagues in EDF’s Energy Transition team.

Subject-matter areas of focus include utility forecasting and planning; transmission and distribution grid infrastructure buildout; leveraging distributed energy resources; load flexibility and demand response; grid reliability and resiliency; vehicle and building electrification; and electricity rate design. In addition to formally representing EDF before administrative agencies and civil courts, this position will also engage with external and internal partners to develop strategy, refine policies, generate thought leadership, and leverage external communications to support and amplify clean energy advocacy across the country.

This position will report to the Distinguished Counsel & AVP, US Legal and Regulatory and will work closely with the Senior Attorney, Electrification in Legal & Regulatory.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant professional experience, including at least 3 years practicing before ERCOT and/or the PUCT required. Experience in both ERCOT and non-ERCOT regions of Texas preferred.
• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school and an active state bar membership in good standing required.
• Proficiency with ERCOT and PUCT procedural rules and conventions.
• Familiarity with major energy issues facing Texas (e.g., data centers and load growth, electrification of end-uses, electric distribution and transmission system planning, renewable generation, electricity market design, energy affordability etc.), and ability to substantively engage therewith.
• Experience interfacing with a range of stakeholders, including community leaders, companies, industry trade associations, and policymakers with the ability to garner consensus between disparate groups.
• Demonstrated experience in regulatory advocacy, litigation, and/or policy development at the state or federal level.
• Excellent oral and written communication, with demonstrated ability to effectively communicate comprehensive subject matter expertise and technical and policy findings to colleagues, policymakers, other stakeholders and allies, journalists, and the general public.
• Ability to deploy and integrate science, law, economics, and advocacy tools to initiate and win positive environmental change.
• Ability to recognize and build on political opportunities for progress.
• Strong presentation, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities; attentive to detail, proactive, and highly organized.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team across multiple time zones.
• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
• Commitment to EDF’s mission and values, and to advancing clean air and climate solutions.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time.