Menu Search Account

LegiStorm

Get LegiStorm App Visit Product Demo Website
» Get LegiStorm App
» Get LegiStorm Pro Free Demo

Caught Our Eye

Former lobbyist gives Sen. Manchin's staff an extra boost of energy

Posted by Nate Hoffman on May 22, 2014

Sen. Joe Manchin's (D-W.Va.) new senior policy adviser for energy has represented the energy industry in Washington for the past two decades.

John O'Donnell transitioned to the West Virginia Democrat's office from Xcel Energy Inc., where he served as the vice president for federal government affairs. Most recently, the SUNY Buffalo graduate represented his employer on issues related to the Clean Water Act, including rules "to prohibit the regulation of carbon dioxide emissions in the United States until China, India and Russia implement similar reductions."

Before joining Xcel Energy in 1999, O'Donnell also worked with Northern States Power Co., the Nuclear Energy Institute and the Environmental and Energy Study Conference. He also was a professional staff member on the House Interior and Insular Affairs Committee.

Manchin sits on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and chairs its Public Lands, Forests and Mining Subcommittee.