Eric F. Swanson
Someone strongly opposes everything – I fight that by listening and educating.
Contact: P /612.604.6511E /[email protected]
Administrative Contact: Mary Holly P /612.604.6467E /[email protected]
Education
University of Wisconsin Law School, J.D., 1984
University of Wisconsin, B.A., Political Science, 1981
Bar Admissions
Minnesota
Minnesota Supreme Court
U.S. District Court, D. Minn.
Ho-Chunk Nation
My Approach
Perhaps larger than my role of representing energy providers and developers before government and regulatory bodies, is fighting disinformation, and educating regulators and the public on the true story of the services my clients provide. I work as a member of my clients’ team, not outside of it, and I firmly believe – from solar developers to pipeline companies – that they are trying to be responsible corporate citizens. It’s easy for the public to be very one-sided about environmental and energy-related issues, and for the regulators to feel that pressure from the public. I help my clients fight that pressure by educating regulatory bodies on the truth of my clients operations, so they can continue to provide safe, reliable, environmentally friendly service and still be a successful business.
I have been practicing in this area for a long time; combined with my time spent working in the Attorney General’s office, I have developed close relationships with the regulators and other decision makers. We don’t always agree, but I believe the only way to be effective is to have mutual respect for one another.
Outside of work, I love gardening – we have two acres with wetlands and a lake, and I am working to develop natural gardens. I love anything that gets me outside, like fishing, camping, canoeing and backcountry ski trips. Now that I’m an empty-nester, I hope to do more of those.
Practice Areas
Practicing Energy Legislative & Regulatory
My Experience
I focus my practice on representing clients before state and federal regulatory bodies, in the courts and at the legislature in the areas of energy and environmental law. My energy and environmental work has involved representing a wide variety of clients, including investor-owned utilities, independent power producers, wind energy developers and other renewable energy producers, and large industrial customers. In addition to representing my clients in contested proceedings, I work extensively with clients to gain all necessary regulatory approvals and to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance.
Representative Matters
- All aspects of energy facility permitting and siting, including wind energy, electric, natural gas and petroleum facilities
- Extensive advocacy, including contested case litigation and general rate proceedings, before state agencies such as the Office of Administrative Hearings, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Department of Commerce and before appellate courts
- Representation of energy and telecommunications clients at the Minnesota State Legislature and in agency rulemaking proceedings
Awards
The Best Lawyers in America©
Minneapolis Lawyer of the Year: Energy Regulatory Law, 2022, 2024
Minneapolis Lawyer of the Year: Administrative/Regulatory Law, 2020, 2024
Minneapolis Lawyer of the Year: Energy Law, 2011, 2017, 2019, 2021
Administrative/Regulatory Law, 2010-2025
Energy Law, 2007-2025
Energy Regulatory Law, 2021-2025
Also experienced in
Regulated Industries
Advocacy & Lobbying
Attorney General Investigations & Enforcement Actions
Regulatory Audits, Investigations & Enforcement Actions
Appellate
Environmental
Energy Litigation & Appeals
Honors & Awards
Minnesota Super Lawyers®
2003-2004, 2007, 2011-2024
The Best Lawyers in America©
Minneapolis Lawyer of the Year: Energy Regulatory Law, 2022, 2024
Minneapolis Lawyer of the Year: Administrative/Regulatory Law, 2020, 2024
Minneapolis Lawyer of the Year: Energy Law, 2011, 2017, 2019, 2021
Administrative/Regulatory Law, 2010-2025
Energy Law, 2007-2025
Energy Regulatory Law, 2021-2025
Local Litigation Star
Benchmark Litigation, 2013–2024
Benchmark Appellate
Benchmark Litigation, 2012-2014
AV Preeminent
LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell, Peer review ratings
Associations & Memberships
Seventhwave
(formerly Energy Center of Wisconsin)
Board of Directors
American Bar Association
Infrastructure and Regulated Industries Section
Minnesota State Bar Association
Public Utilities Section, Past Chair
Communications Section
Administrative Law Section, Past Chair
Public Law Section