Matt Christiansen
Former General Counsel at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and now a partner at Wilson Sonsini, offering legal and regulatory insight on permitting and FERC authority.
Best podcasts with Matt Christiansen
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Oct 23, 2025 • 47min
Permitting reform and the politics of building the grid | Live from the ACORE Grid Forum in Washington, D.C.
Matt Christiansen, former General Counsel at FERC, navigates the intricate permitting process, highlighting NEPA reviews as major bottlenecks. Elizabeth Horner explains the political landscape and the need for bipartisan reforms. Daniel Palken discusses the urgent demand from data centers driving the need for accelerated transmission planning. The group debates the balance between environmental protections and faster approvals, emphasizing the critical need for modernized permitting laws to meet rising energy demands.
Jun 2, 2025 • 27min
What FERC’s former general counsel thinks about the agency’s future under Trump
Matt Christiansen, former general counsel at FERC, shares insights from his extensive tenure at the agency. He discusses FERC's significant successes and challenges, particularly regarding LNG regulations and climate considerations. Christiansen emphasizes the importance of FERC’s independence amidst political pressures and staffing shortages. He reflects on innovative policies like Order 1920, which reshape transmission planning. Concluding with a hopeful outlook, he notes recent strides in improving the regulatory process while advocating for the agency's vital role in the energy infrastructure.
