[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1310-E1311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF JAMES (JIM) HOECKER FOR HIS EXEMPLARY CAREER IN 
                         ENERGY LAW AND POLICY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 18, 2019

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jim Hoecker, 
someone who has been the voice of the electric transmission industry 
and a dedicated public servant at the Federal Energy Regulatory 
Commission. Mr. Hoecker has announced his retirement from his current 
role as Executive Director and Counsel to the WIRES coalition at the 
end of this year. His distinguished career is worthy of commendation.
  Mr. Hoecker is a widely-recognized expert in the field of electric 
transmission. His invaluable insight has helped advance the interests 
of the electric grid among policymakers, industry leaders, and others 
who share WIRES' belief in the need to invest in the nation's 
transmission network.
  Prior to working with WIRES, Mr. Hoecker held several positions at 
FERC, serving as legal counsel, commissioner, and ultimately as 
chairman from 1997 to 2001. Among his achievements at FERC were the 
developments of electric transmission and natural gas pipeline open 
access and the creation of regional transmission organizations. After 
his career at FERC, Hoecker founded Hoecker Energy Law & Policy PLLC 
and joined Husch Blackwell LLP, where he will remain active in his law 
and consultancy practice. Hoecker holds a J.D. from the University of 
Wisconsin Law School and a Ph.D from the University of Kentucky.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jim Hoecker 
and his exemplary career. Taking the steps to ensure that our country 
has a robust electrical transmission grid is no small task, and Mr. 
Hoecker

[[Page E1311]]

has more than risen to the challenge. We thank him for his tireless 
advocacy on behalf of the electric transmission grid with WIRES and at 
FERC.

                          ____________________