Elizabeth Anne “Betsy” Moler, former deputy secretary of theU.S. Department of Energy and chair of the Federal EnergyRegulatory Commission, is leaving the public sector for privatepractice at a major law firm. Moler will become a partner and serveas co-chair of Vinson &amp Elkins LLP’s electric power practice. AtVinson &amp Elkins, Moler will focus on the restructuring of theNorth American power industry and on the increasing role ofcompetition in the gas business, both areas where she has played amajor role while in government. “I hope to put my 30 years ofgovernment experience to good use advising private sector clientsas they chart a course through the challenges posed by anincreasingly competitive business environment. Virtually all of myprofessional experience has been in the energy area, so Vinson &ampElkins, with its large and varied energy practice, seems like aperfect fit for me.” Moler played a significant role in FERC’sdevelopment and implementation of Order No. 636 and was chair ofthe FERC when it issued its Order No. 888, which opened thenation’s electric transmission grid. Vinson &amp Elkins has 580lawyers with more than 175 involved in various aspects of itsenergy practice. The firm has offices in Austin, TX; Beijing,Dallas, Houston, London, Moscow, New York, Singapore, andWashington, D.C.

The National Energy Services Association (NESA), a Houston-basedorganization with over 2,200 natural gas and electric industrymembers, elected Ronald Ford 1998-99 chairman.

P. Chrisman “Chris” Iribe, president and COO of U.S. GeneratingCo. was re-elected chairman of the Electric Power SupplyAssociation (EPSA).

Van Ness Feldman, a Washington D.C.-based law firm, announcedthat Patricia Godley will represent clients in the oil and gas andelectric utility industries in domestic and international businesstransactions, regulatory compliance matters, and federal policyinitiatives. Godley was formerly the assistant secretary for fossilenergy at the Department of Energy, where she directed the sale ofthe Elk Hills oil and gas field in California to OccidentalPetroleum in January.

David A. Arledge, CEO of The Coastal Corp., was named first vicechairman of the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America(INGAA), replacing Paul. M. Anderson, who recently departed DukeEnergy to head BHP Ltd. in Australia.

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