Practice focuses on issue advocacy before the U.S. Congress, state legislatures, and federal and state regulatory agencies on energy and environmental policies and processes. Represents and advises corporations, utilities, and trade associations in the areas of the Energy Policy Act, Federal Power Act, Clean Air Act, Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005, and other regulatory and environmental laws, energy policy, and corporate law. His experience and solid reputation as an energy company executive and as a federal and state government official serves well the firm's energy, regulatory and legislative practices and clients.Mr. Menezes served as Chief Counsel, Energy and Environment, for the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce and played a key role in the enactment of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and in developing legislation to modernize the Clean Air Act.
Relevant Experience 
Public-Sector Experience - As Chief Counsel, served as chief negotiator and legislative architect for the House Majority in the enactment of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Was responsible for hearings, oversight and legislation involving the nation’s energy and clean air policies, including fossil, nuclear and renewable energy resources, utility regulation, environmental protection, the Clean Air Act, and solid and hazardous waste laws. Agency oversight responsibilities included FERC, DOE, NRC and EPA.
- Served as staff counsel (fellow) to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Subcommittee on Merchant Marine. Issues included the Oil Pollution Protection Act of 1990, Jones Act amendments, Farm Bill Reauthorization and matters before the Federal Maritime Commission and NOAA. Also served as counsel to Senator John Breaux (D-LA) responsible for legislative and regulatory issues involving international trade, commerce, and the judiciary.
- Served in various capacities with the Louisiana House of Representatives, eventually being appointed by the Speaker to serve as the Assistant Clerk. In this capacity, served as legal advisor to the House, responsible for ethics, election law, parliamentary procedures and constitutional law. Presided as Clerk during legislative sessions. During that time, appointed as Special Counsel to Task Force on Judicial Selection and to the Louisiana Sentencing Commission.
- Served as Counsel to the Louisiana House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice. As legal advisor to the legislative committee, drafted and analyzed legislation, organized hearings, conducted investigations, and served as liaison between committee and governmental agencies, special interest groups, and the public.
Private-Sector Experience - Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Public Policy and Governmental Affairs for one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity to more than 5 million customers in 11 states. Analyzed and developed both federal and state legislative and regulatory strategies and policies on the issues of electric, gas and nuclear energy, taxes, securities and the environment. Worked with the SEC and FERC in developing regulatory policies affecting the electric utility industry, and oversaw the company’s holdings in natural gas pipelines and storage and inland barge operations.
- Vice President of Government Affairs for a regional electric utility holding company before its merger to create a premier electric power company, well-positioned as a supplier of electricity and other services in the United States, the United Kingdom and Latin America. Responsible for federal and state legislative activities and federal regulatory matters. Instrumental in obtaining the regulatory approvals from 11 state commissions and several federal regulatory bodies including FERC and SEC for the successful merger. Before being named Vice President, served for five years as Director of Federal Agency Relations and Counsel. Played a key role in the passage of a portion of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 allowing utilities to compete in the telecommunications industry. Made the first application with the FCC under the new law authorizing the company to compete against local, long-distance and cable providers.
- Practiced law in Washington, D.C., with former Congressman Tom Loeffler (R-TX) at Cleveland- and San Antonio-based law firms. Represented clients on a broad range of issues before Congress and various administrative agencies. Clients included Fortune 500 corporations, national and international associations and individuals. Issues included energy, environment, health care, telecommunications, banking, base closings and international trade.
- Practiced law in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, representing clients in civil and criminal litigation, business, contract and commercial law, personal injury and domestic relations. Practiced in state and federal courts, trial and appellate levels.
Background
- Majority Chief Counsel, Energy and Environment, U.S. Committee on Energy and Commerce, Washington, D.C., 2003-2006.
- Vice President, Associate General Counsel, American Electric Power, Washington D.C., 2000-2003
- Vice President, Governmental Affairs, Central and South West Corporation, Washington D.C., 1998-2000
- Director, Federal Agency Relations, Central and South West Corporation, Washington D.C., 1993-1997
- Practiced public policy law with the firms of former Congressman Tom Loeffler (R-TX), Washington D.C., 1990-1993
- Counsel, U.S. Senate, John Breaux (D-LA), Washington D.C., 1990
- Fellow, Legislative Studies Institute, U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, Transportation, Washington DC, 1990
- Committee Counsel, Assistant Clerk, Louisiana House of Representatives, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1978-1989
- Partner, Menezes & Megginson, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1984-1989
Membership
- Member, District of Columbia Bar
- Member, Texas State Bar
- Member, Louisiana State Bar
- Admitted to practice in the United States District Courts and United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit.
Education - J.D., Louisiana State University, 1981
- B.A., Louisiana State University, 1978
|
