HOUSTON – Dec. 13, 2016 – Robert J. Downing, an energy shareholder in the Houston and Miami offices of the international law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, spoke on a panel at a Dec. 2, 2016 program entitled, “The New Power Sector in Mexico,” at the University of Houston Law Center. The program was moderated by Julian Cardenas, Research Assistant Professor, The Environment, Energy & Natural Resources Center, University of Houston Law Center. Dr. César Emiliano Hernández Ochoa, Undersecretary of Electricity of the Mexican Ministry of Energy (SENER), was the keynote speaker.
Downing discussed the transboundary impact on U.S. and Mexican energy transactions. The program focused on the Mexican wholesale electricity market, which became operational January 27, 2016, and examined how related new regulations, transactions, and industrial practices are developing. The liberalization of the Mexican electricity sector requires a greater reliance on markets to coordinate power demand and supply as well as incorporate environmental objectives, including greater reliance on renewables. Dr. César Emiliano Hernández Ochoa presented an overview of these issues in order to discuss the challenges ahead to implement this major energy policy initiative.
Downing has 30 years' experience in international business transactions and is Board Certified in International Law by The Florida Bar. He focuses on energy, infrastructure, finance, and project development in Latin America. Since joining Greenberg Traurig, a substantial part of his practice has been devoted to the Mexican Energy Reform in the power sector. Prior to joining the firm, Downing was Associate General Counsel at Duke Energy International, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, the largest electric utility in the United States. He worked throughout Latin America. He previously served as Senior Attorney at the Cisneros Group, a Venezuelan conglomerate with global operations. He holds an LL.M. in Energy, Environmental and Natural Resources Law.
About Greenberg Traurig, LLP – Global Energy and Infrastructure Practice
Greenberg Traurig's Global Energy and Infrastructure Practice is known for its broad-ranging representation of upstream and midstream energy companies as well as renewable energy companies and traditional power generation companies. The firm's energy practice is further distinguished by lawyers with broad FERC experience and multifaceted energy finance representations. Several of Greenberg Traurig’s energy attorneys are former General Counsel at energy industry companies and provide a valuable business perspective for our energy clients across the globe. Greenberg Traurig's Global Energy and Infrastructure Practice expanded significantly in Latin America and Europe with the establishment of Mexico City and Warsaw offices.
About Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GTLaw) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and is celebrating its 50th anniversary. One firm worldwide, GTLaw has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, was named the largest firm in the U.S. by Law360 in 2017, and among the Top 20 on the 2016 Am Law Global 100. Web: www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law.