My Why

What powers my practice

I practice law to help bring energy solutions into practice. I help clients solve novel regulatory and policy challenges in the energy and supply-chain space, often working at the leading edge of new rules, market structures, and agency initiatives.

Overview

Orrie provides strategic counsel to energy developers, utilities, and market participants navigating complex regulatory frameworks at the state and federal level. Based in Wisconsin, Orrie is a leading advisor on clean energy siting and tariff design before the Wisconsin Public Service Commission, and he represents energy clients nationally on FERC, RTO, and appellate matters.

Orrie brings a rare combination of state commission practice, federal regulatory experience, and litigation capability. He draws on prior experience at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and as head of import and export compliance for the largest renewable fuels company in the United States, allowing him to advise clients across the full lifecycle of energy projects—from siting and rate design to market participation, compliance, and judicial review.

Experience

Solutions in action

Energy

  • Secured state, federal, and local regulatory approvals for more than 2,000 MW of solar, wind, and energy storage projects, with a particular focus on Wisconsin siting proceedings.
  • Represented developers and utilities in siting, rate cases, tariff filings, and rulemaking proceedings before the Wisconsin Public Service Commission and other state commissions.
  • Advised on RTO tariffs, generator interconnection agreements, and queue reform, including interpretation and implementation of FERC rules and policy initiatives.
  • Challenged FERC orders affecting RTO market structure and transmission policy in the federal courts of appeals.
  • Supported regulatory approvals and compliance filings for utility acquisitions and energy-related transactions.
  • Negotiated sale and supply agreements for biogas and renewable energy development, including anaerobic digester projects.
  • Advised on rate and policy design for emerging technologies and large loads, including data centers and other high-impact customers.

International Trade & Supply Chain

  • Advised importers and exporters on HTS classification, valuation, and tariff application.
  • Represented clients in investigations under Sections 232, 201, and 301 of the Trade Act.
  • Counseled clients on preserving and pursuing tariff refund rights, including litigation strategy.
  • Assisted manufacturers and distributors with country-of-origin and “Made in the USA” analyses.
  • Advised on first-sale programs and responded to CBP enforcement inquiries, including Form 29 notices.

Credentials

  • University of Wisconsin Law School, Juris Doctor (J.D.), President, Environmental Law Society, 2021
  • University of Wisconsin, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Pre-Columbian American History, Cultural Anthropology, 2017

  • Washington D.C.
  • Wisconsin
  • United States Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
  • United States Court of International Trade

  • Quality of Service Award, FERC Office of Administrative Law Judges (2022, 2023)
  • Pro Bono Society, Award of Distinction, Tier 1
  • Flag Bearer, University of Wisconsin Law School Class of 2021

Engagement

  • Chair, Public Utilities Section, Wisconsin State Bar Association
  • Board Member, Wisconsin Public Utilities Institute
  • Board Officer, Electricity Steering Committee, Energy Bar Association
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Wisconsin High School Mock Trial Judge