David L. Wochner
David L. Wochner
Managing Partner, Washington Office
David Wochner has advised and represented energy industry clients in Washington, D.C., for more than 20 years. As a thought leader with regard to the natural gas and hydrogen industries’ intersection with government, David regularly advises clients on critical U.S. federal regulatory and policy issues that impact energy infrastructure and commodities, with a particular focus on issues related to the global energy transition. David co-leads the firm’s global liquefied natural gas (LNG) practice, as well as its global hydrogen practice, and co-hosts the bi-weekly podcast, “Hydrogen Rising.”
Over the years, David has appeared regularly on behalf of clients before the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); the US Departments of Energy, the Interior, and Transportation; EPA; and on Capitol Hill. In 2010-2011, he served as lead Washington counsel on behalf of Transocean in multiple Congressional, US federal agency, and UK House of Commons’ investigations and hearings related to the Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
David's clients include natural gas and LNG marketers, importers, exporters, and project developers; hydrogen project developers; financial institutions and hedge funds; offshore energy project developers, including offshore wind and marine hydrokinetic projects; oil and gas pipelines and shippers; oil and gas drilling companies; and state and provincial government officials.
His experience includes counseling and representing clients in matters concerning:
- Development of hydrogen projects, including regulatory and policy considerations related to the development of clean hydrogen standards.
- US liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and imports.
- Interstate natural gas, oil, and oil product pipelines' operations and policies before FERC.
- Natural gas trading operations, including NAESB agreements, interstate transportation capacity, and asset management arrangements.
- US federal, state, and local authorities' roles in the development of energy infrastructure.
- Safety regulations under the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's (PHMSA) Part 193, applicable to pipelines and LNG facilities.
- Congressional investigations into oil and natural gas related matters, including oil spills.
- Minerals Management Service (MMS) and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) leasing issues associated with offshore energy facilities, including LNG terminals, wind and hydrokinetic power facilities, and natural gas pipelines.
- Development of stakeholder engagement strategies for energy infrastructure projects.
Additionally, David is the lead practice area leader for the firm’s global Policy and Regulatory practice.
- Selected for Best Lawyers in America for work in Energy Regulatory Law by Best Lawyers (2017-2022)
- Selected to Rising Stars list for Energy, 2013-2014
- Recipient, 2007 Burton Award for Legal Achievement for “Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Litigation After the Energy Policy Act of 2005,” Energy Law Journal (November 14, 2006)
- Member, Connected DMV National Capital Region Hydrogen Initiative Steering Committee
- Past chair and current member, Georgetown University National Law Alumni Board
- Member, Energy Bar Association
- Witness, “Philadelphia LNG Exports Task Force Hearing,” (19 May 2023) (Remarks begin at 1:23:00 mark.)
- Moderator, “DOE Support for Hydrogen RD&D and Regional Hydrogen Hubs,” S&P Global Platts Hydrogen Markets Americas: New Opportunities for Growth and Investment,” San Diego, CA (March 31, 2022)
- Moderator, “Focus on Hydrogen - Is large scale, cost-effective commercialization possible for hydrogen as an alternative fuel?,” Decarb Connect North America, Houston, TX (March 30, 2022)
- Speaker, “Hydrogen Town Hall: Key Trends in Global Hydrogen Policy and Regulation,” Washington, DC (March 24, 2022)
- Moderator, “The State of Decarbonization in North America: Hydrogen,” Decarb Connect North America: Identifying Competitive Industrial Decarbonization Business Models (June 15, 2021)
- Moderator, “The Role of LNG in the Energy Transition,” S&P Global Platts 20th Annual LNG Conference (March 25, 2021)
- Speaker, “Energy & Environmental Policy in the Next Administration,” hosted by K&L Gates (November 5, 2020)
- Speaker, “US LNG Update,” presentation to Atlantik-Brücke, Washington, DC (October 31, 2019)
- Speaker, “Making American Energy Great Again? The Trump Administration’s Use of Regulation and Policy to Impact Global Energy Markets,” World Energy Engineering Conference, Charlotte, NC, (October 18, 2018)
- Speaker, “The U.S. Offshore: Outstanding Opportunity or Onerous Obstacle,” presented at “Issues of Offshore Wind Power Generation,” Japan Overseas Institute, Tokyo, (September 13, 2018)
- Speaker, “LNG and U.S. Trade Developments,” Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Teleconference, (April 20, 2018)
- Speaker, “Contracts and Offtake Agreements: A Legal View,” Bank of America Merrill Lynch U.S. LNG Prospects Conference, New York, (March 9, 2018)
- Speaker, “US Infrastructure Cooperation | US Energy / Infrastructure Investment Opportunities Analysis,” Beijing, (April 18, 2017)
- Speaker, “New Administration Policies: How to Maximize Your Business for Growth,” OCTANe - Orange County, CA (January 19, 2017)
- Speaker, “Winter is Coming: The Regulatory Onslaught Against Oil & Gas Midstream Infrastructure,” Credit Suisse Restructuring Mini-Conference - Houston, Texas (February 1, 2016)
- Speaker, “U.S. Environmental Standards and Regulations for Shale Gas Development,” U.S.-China Shale Gas Training Program, Environmental Policy and Technology for Shale Gas Development - Beijing, China (December 3-4, 2015)
- Speaker, “Developments in North American Oil, Gas and LNG,” Australian Institute of Energy - Perth (September 29, 2015)
- Speaker, “Developments in North American Oil, Gas and LNG,” K&L Gates - Singapore (March 26, 2015)
- Speaker, “Regulatory Risk Factors for US LNG Export Projects,” Hart Energy North American LNG Exports Conference (November 20, 2014)
- Speaker, Seoul LNG Seminar (March 25, 2014)
- Speaker, “U.S. LNG Exports: Consideration of the ‘Public Interest,’” 4th Annual North American LNG Exports Conference (December 11, 2013)
- Speaker, Tokyo LNG Seminar (September 10, 2013)
- Speaker, “Responsible Shale Development - Industry Perspectives,” K&L Gates Second Annual Alaska Oil & Gas Conference, (July 10, 2013)
- Speaker, “U.S. LNG Exports: Policy and Political Issues,” LNG Export Forum North America (May 16-18, 2012)
- Speaker, “Obtaining Permits for LNG Export,” 2nd Annual North American LNG Exports Conference (December 1, 2011)
- Leader, Workshop: “Addressing the Impact of Legal & Regulatory Issues on the Shale Gas Industry,” World Shale Gas Conference 2011 (November 7-11, 2011)
- Speaker, “Federal Agency Jeopardy: An Insider’s Guide to the Federal Regulation of Energy Companies and Commodities,” ACC 2011 Annual Meeting (October 23–26, 2011)
- Moderator, “Key Policy Developments and their Impact on Offshore Wind,” Offshore Wind Power North America - Boston, MA (February 1-2, 2011)
- Speaker, “Issues for Obtaining Liquefaction and Export Authority,” Prospects for North American LNG Exports Program (November 11, 2010)
- Co-Leader, “Shale Gas Legal and Regulatory Issues Master Class,” World Shale Gas Conference and Exhibition (November 3-5, 2010)
- Speaker, “Managing Regulatory Hurdles in Offshore Wind Projects,” EUEC 2010 – 13th Annual Energy & Environment Conference (February 2, 2010)
- Speaker, “U.S. Climate Change Regulation: A Framework for Business Planning For a Sustainable Midstream Industry,” Gas Processors Association – Houston Chapter Annual Conference (October 13, 2009)
- Panel Moderator, Platts Gas Interchangeability and Quality Forum, Washington, DC (November 19–20, 2008)
- Speaker, “Improving Stakeholders Perception of LNG,” 15th International Conference and Exhibit on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG 15) - Barcelona, Spain (April 25, 2007)
- Speaker, “Regulating Gas Composition: The U.S. Regulatory System and Its Impact on the Globalization of LNG,” Gas Technology Institute Global LNG Interchangeability Conference (September 11–12, 2006)
- Speaker, “LNG Market Outlook,” Valve Manufacturers Association’s Annual Market Outlook Workshop (August 18, 2005)
Additional Thought Leadership Pages
- “U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Cans Berkeley Gas Ban Under Federal Law,” Pratt’s Energy Law Report, July-August 2023
- “Proposed Regulations to Improve Offshore Wind Lease Auction Processes and Timelines,” ALI CLE’s The Practical Real Estate Lawyer, May 2023
- “How Proposed BOEM Regs Will Boost Offshore Wind Projects,” Law360, 1 February 2023
- "Hydrogen Gets a Lift in Federal Infrastructure Act," Pratt’s Energy Law Report, April 2022
- “NY, NJ Lease Auctions Highlight US Push For Offshore Wind,” Law360, 10 February 2022
- “Key Provisions of FERC’s 2021 Enforcement Report,” Pratt’s Energy Law Report, February 2022.
- “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 Is Now Law,” The Banking Law Journal, February 2022
- “Pipeline Projects Face New Questions On Landowner Rights,” Law360, 6 November 2019
- “When States Fail To Act On Federal Pipeline Permits,” Law360, 24 July 2017
- Co-author, “Antitrust: A New Line Of Attack Against Pipelines,” Energy Law 360 (February 13, 2017)
- Co-author, “Antitrust Claims: A Novel Line of Attack by Groups Opposing Natural Gas Infrastructure Projects,” The Override (January 2017)
- Co-author, "Paris Agreement to Enter into Force: Implications for Enforcement in the United States and Internationally," The National Law Review (October 25, 2016)
- Co-Author, CEQ Issues Final Greenhouse Gas Guidance Directing Federal Agencies to Consider Climate Change in Their NEPA Reviews, Pratt’s Energy Law Report, Vol. 16-9, (October 2016)
- Co-author, "K&L Gates: How will the U.S. Presidential Election Affect the Energy Landscape," Caijing (September 23, 2016)
- Author, "The Implications of Final Rule Regulating Arctic OCS Drilling," Alaska Journal of Commerce (September 18, 2016)
- Co-author, "Federal Court Upholds FERC’s Approach on LNG Environmental Permitting and Shifts Focus to Challenges to DOE’s Environmental Review," Pratt’s Energy Law Report (September 2016)
- “The European Commission Approves an Energy Security Package Emphasizing Infrastructure Development and LNG Imports,” Pratt's Energy Law Report, May 2016
- Co-author, “FERC's Jurisdiction Now Reaches Ethane Pipelines Too,” Energy Law 360 (February 27, 2014)
- Co-author, “The Development of U.S. Shale Gas Resources: Regulation and Litigation,” Managing Power Magazine (September 1, 2011)
- Commentator, “Pro-drilling GOPer wins Va. governor’s race, fueling push for 2011 lease sale,” Inside Energy (November 9, 2009)
- Commentator, “MMS issues rules for renewable projects on the OCS, eases way for offshore wind,” Inside FERC (April 24, 2009)
- Co-author, “LNG Importer Focus Turns to US Interchangeability Rules,” LNG Journal (November/December 2007)
- Co-author, “Reviewing LNG Regulations,” Pipeline and Gas Technology (November 2007)
- Author, “Middle Eastern Oil and Gas,” CQ Press (2007)
- Co-author, “European LNG Developers Face Complex Commercial Landscape,” Oil & Gas Journal (April 9, 2007)
- Co-author, “Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Litigation After the Energy Policy Act of 2005,” Energy Law Journal (November 14, 2006)
- Co-author, “Florida’s Gas Composition Decision Offers Preliminary Guidelines for US LNG Imports,” LNG Journal (May 2006)
- Co-author, "LNG’s Final Hurdle," Public Utilities Fortnightly (March 2006)
- Co-author, “Sandia LNG Study Changes Landscape for Terminal Siting,” LNG Observer (April–June 2005)
Additional News & Event Pages
- Quoted, “Narrow IRA hydrogen guidance hit,” Project Finance International, 16 January 2024
- Quoted, “Australia to profit from new US hydrogen rules,” Australian Financial Review (AFR.com), 5 January 2024
- Quoted, “US – Narrow hydrogen guidance may impact hubs,” Project Finance International, 10 January 2024
- Quoted, “Narrow hydrogen guidance may impact hubs,” Project Finance International, 10 January 2024
- Quoted, “US green hydrogen incentives cut to boost Australian industry prospects,” Investing.com, 4 January 2024
- Quoted, “Tough rules for US green hydrogen incentives open door for Australia,” Australian Financial Review, 3 January 2024
- Quoted, “Firm Leaders Share Their Priorities For DC Offices In 2024,” Law360, 2 January 2024
- Mentioned, “DOE Shirked Climate In LNG Export Approvals, Sierra Says,” Law360, 8 February 2023
- Quoted, “Despite Slowing M&A Market, Firms With Regs Expertise Are Poised to Stay Busy,” The American Lawyer, 5 August 2022
- Quoted, "FERC Says it Will Consider Greenhouse Gas Emissions and ‘Environmental Justice’ Impacts in Approving New Natural Gas Pipelines," Inside Climate News, 21 March 2022
- "Law Firms Seeing Green From Hydrogen," Reuters, 17 November 2021
- Quoted, "Justices Ease Pipeline Fears In State Land Rights Fight," Law360, 29 June 2021
- Quoted, "Democrat-Controlled Senate Sets Stage for New FERC Majority, Policy Direction," S&P Global, 7 January 2021
- Quoted, "Biden May Have to Tread Carefully with Energy Nominees, Policy Experts Say," S&P Global, 2 December 2020
- Quoted, “DC Circ. Fails To Clear The Air On FERC’s Climate Duties,” Energy Law360, 9 May 2019
- Quoted, “Offshore Crude Exports Hopefuls May Face Project Permitting Pains,” SPG Global, 1 April 2019
- Quoted, “For Energy Projects, GHG Scrutiny Now A Fact of Life,” Energy Law 360 (April 2, 2014)
- Quoted, “Panel to Obama: Overhaul 1970s energy policies,” Politico (January 28, 2014)
- Quoted, "Freeport won’t likely appeal ‘bogus’ DOE order: CEO," Platts Gas Daily (December 12, 2013)
- Quoted, “US LNG export ‘sweet spot’ may be elusive: officials,” Platts LNG Daily (December 11, 2013)
- Quoted, “Industrial energy group calls US LNG export policy unfair, but opponents claim argument misleads,” Inside FERC (November 11, 2013)
- Quoted, "Shutdown Will Grind New Energy Projects To A Halt," Energy Law 360 (October 1, 2013)
- Quoted, “Analysis: Companies may turn to courts on U.S. natural gas export push,” Reuters (June 18, 2013)
- Quoted, "DOE Seen Delaying LNG Export Licenses Next Year," Argus Media (December 14, 2012)
