Tracy Hester Appointed Professor And Director Of University Of Houston Law Center's Environment, Energy And Natural Resources Center

January 15, 2010

HOUSTON — Bracewell & Giuliani LLP attorney Tracy D. Hester has been appointed Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Houston Law Center and will become the Director of its Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Center. Hester will remain a member of Bracewell's Environmental team as Senior Counsel.

"I'm excited about this new opportunity to help educate some of our brightest future environmental lawyers and to play a new role in the debates over policy at the intersection of our energy needs, environmental concerns and our country's natural resources. I'm also delighted to stay involved with Bracewell & Giuliani's top-flight environmental team as Senior Counsel," said Tracy Hester.

Bracewell's Environmental Strategies Group has gained national legal and industry recognition in recent years for its work on issues surrounding the Clean Air Act, climate change, environmental policy and legislation, and its uniquely integrated approach to strategic communications on the preeminent energy and environmental issues of the day.

Recent additions to the team include Rebecca Rentz, who was recognized as Environmental Regulator of the Year by the Texas Association of Environmental Professionals prior to rejoining Bracewell; Kevin O'Connor, former Associate Attorney General of the United States, the third-ranking official at the Department of Justice, overseeing the Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division; Jeffrey Holmstead and Richard Alonso, who held top air quality and enforcement positions at the Environmental Protection Agency; and Michael Olsen, former deputy assistant secretary at the Department of the Interior in charge of regulatory permitting for energy projects across the United States. These attorneys complement the established environmental team led by Tim Wilkins, Kevin Ewing, Lisa Jaeger, Ed Krenik, and Jason Hutt.

"We congratulate Tracy on his appointment at the Houston Law Center, which clearly speaks to his unique knowledge in the environmental field," said Mark C. Evans, managing partner of Bracewell & Giuliani. "Tracy has been instrumental in helping the firm develop a strong environmental practice, which has been widely recognized for its ability to help clients and peers grappling with today's environmental issues. His appointment expands the firm's reach in the policy arena, and I know it will further enhance the skills he brings to our clients."