Blaine Yamagata practices in the area of energy law with a focus on counseling utility companies in international and domestic matters and the representation of domestic utilities before state and federal regulatory commissions and appellate courts. He has represented clients on matters including the acquisition and divestiture of utility properties, contract negotiations for transportation and sales services, and regulatory compliance and authorizations, including rate and certificate proceedings. He also represents companies in enforcement investigations initiated by regulatory agencies. Mr. Yamagata also represents developers and intervenors of liquefied natural gas ("LNG") infrastructure projects before the relevant agencies. He has served as lead outside counsel for onshore and offshore LNG projects, including the first LNG deepwater port to be constructed and placed into operation for service to domestic U.S. markets.

Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Yamagata served as a trial attorney for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and also served as legal advisor to a FERC commissioner, during which time he provided policy and legal advice regarding the Commission's implementation of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 and the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978.

Admitted to practice in Texas, Virginia and the District of Columbia, Mr. Yamagata is a 1974 graduate of George Washington University Law School and a graduate of the University of Utah.

Areas Of Practice

Energy Law

Professional Activities

American Bar Association
Energy Bar Association
Houston Bar Association

Admissions

Texas
District of Columbia
Virginia

Education

George Washington University Law School, J.D., 1974
University of Utah, B.A., 1971

Experience

Duane Morris LLP
- Partner, 2007-present
Jackson Walker LLP
- Partner, 2003-2007
Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP
- 1988-2003
Conoco Inc.
- 1985-1988
O'Neill & Haase
- 1981-1985
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
- 1977-1981
Postal Rate Commission
- 1974-1977

Selected Publications

"Fifth Circuit Court Establishes Guidelines for the Evaluation of Deepwater Port Licenses," July 7, 2006
"Focus on LNG - Selected Current Regulatory Issues," State Bar of Texas Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Section Report, December 2004
"Structure and Regulation of the Natural Gas Industry in the United States," Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce Presentation to Petrochina

Selected Speaking Engagements

"Legal Challenges to LNG," Texas Journal of Oil, Gas, and Energy Law CLE Symposium, January 26, 2006
Second Gas and Power Institute, Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas and the University of Texas Law School, November 2003