Steven Reed

Steve Reed helps major US oil pipeline companies resolve their most difficult regulatory problems. Because of his exceptional experience with complex pipeline issues and his deep understanding of the industry, he is consistently sought out to shepherd new pipeline projects through the regulatory process, and to help resolve challenging disputes arising before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), state regulatory agencies, and appellate courts. In recognition of his achievements and capabilities, Best Lawyers in America has named him the Washington, D.C. "Lawyer of the Year" in Energy and Environmental Law related categories in three of the last six years (2017, 2018, 2022). Steve was also recently named to the Hall of Fame category by Legal 500. 

Oil Pipeline Regulation

For more than four decades, Steve has played a key role in landmark cases that have laid the foundation for FERC’s current regulation of oil pipelines. He was a leading participant in the FERC's major rulemaking initiative that established the governing principles for oil pipeline rates and authored a seminal article on that topic. Because of his extensive background in oil pipeline regulation, he is often asked to speak on the history of the field and the ongoing development of FERC’s regulatory methodology.

Backed by a deep bench of experienced energy lawyers, Steve frequently represents industry-leading clients, such as the owners of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (particularly ConocoPhillips Transportation Alaska Inc.), Colonial, Enbridge, and the Liquid Energy Pipeline Association. He served as lead counsel in a case for Spearhead Pipeline that led to FERC’s first explicit approval of firm service contracts for oil pipelines. He has successfully guided oil pipelines through contested FERC cases in which their tariff rates were ultimately found to be lawful as filed, most notably on behalf of the Southern Lights Pipeline. He also serves as co-lead counsel in defending against a wide-ranging challenge by 17 complainants to the tariff rates and practices of Colonial Pipeline.

Steve frequently assists clients with projects to build new pipelines, to expand existing pipelines, and to extend lines into new markets. These have included major cross-border pipelines between Canada and the US, new pipelines to the US Gulf Coast region, and major expansions of pipelines serving the Bakken region of North Dakota and other growing domestic oil resources. In total, these projects have led to investments of billions of dollars in new US infrastructure. 

Appellate Practice

Steve is also a seasoned appellate litigator who has argued major cases in the federal courts of appeals and state appellate courts, including the Supreme Courts of Texas and Alaska. His appellate experience ranges beyond energy to rail transportation, insurance, environmental law, and taxation.