Lisa Epifani

Lisa Epifani advises a range of clients on energy and environmental matters, with a special focus on climate change strategy, oil and natural gas issues, nuclear policy, and financial regulations.  Her clients include industry coalitions, financial institutions, oil and gas pipelines, and think tanks.  Lisa’s thorough understanding of climate and energy policy combined with her political background provides clients with strategic solutions and thorough legal advice.

Professional Background

Before joining the firm in April 2009, Lisa spent ten years serving in key governmental roles and the business community, developing energy policy and strategy.  She was appointed Assistant Secretary at the Department of Energy (DOE) for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs by President George W. Bush.  During her tenure, Lisa was DOE’s lead contact with Congressional Members and staff, and promoted the Administration’s energy policies, as well as negotiating positions on appropriations and authorization bills, such as the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.  She also worked closely with DOE program offices, including the Loan Guarantee Program office, to coordinate agency decisions and goals. 

Lisa also served at the White House on the National Economic Council as a Special Assistant to the President.  Before her Administration tenure, she was a lead Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee staffer for then-Chairman Domenici, and worked on key provisions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.  Lisa also spent time practicing energy law at another Washington, DC law firm.

Government Service

Assistant Secretary, Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Energy, 2007-2009

Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, White House National Economic Council, 2006-2007

Counsel, Energy and Natural Resources Committee, U.S. Senate, 2003-2006

Senior Legislative Advisor, U.S. Department of Energy, 2001-2003

Honors & Distinctions

• Marshall Memorial Fellow, 2009

Speaking Engagements

• 91st Annual GPA Convention, April 15, 2012
• American Gas Association 2011 Energy Market Regulation Conference, The Impact of Pipeline Safety Costs on Rates for Pipeline Services, September 22, 2011
• Carbon Forum Asia, October 27, 2010
• Marcus Evans 3rd Annual Risk Management in Energy Trading Conference, October 21, 2010
• Webinar: "Greenhouse Gas Regulation: EPA Takes Center Stage", September 30, 2010
• American Gas Association's Legal Forum, July 11, 2010

News

• Van Ness Feldman's Lisa Epifani quoted in National Journal on the Sierra Club's Expanding Natural-Gas Reform Campaign
• Van Ness Feldman's Lisa Epifani Quoted in SNL Financial on LNG Exports
• Van Ness Feldman Advises Blackstone on Regulatory Issues Associated with Potential $2 Billion Equity Investment in the Sabine Pass Liquefaction Project
• Van Ness Feldman's Lisa Epifani Featured in E&ETV
• Lisa Epifani Interviewed on Houston NPR Member Station KUHF
• Van Ness Feldman Elects Lisa Epifani a Member