Dow Lohnes opens new 'green' practice

There’s more evidence that K Street sees green – as in money – in the push to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Dow Lohnes Government Strategies announced today a new “Green Solutions” practice that will be part consultancy, part advocacy arm at the growing firm.

Headed by veterans from Capitol Hill and Clinton administration, the new practice will help clients develop programs to conserve energy or otherwise lower carbon emissions and lobby Congress and the administration in support of clean energy efforts.

“We’re on the cusp of a low-carbon revolution and companies that embrace it will have a distinct advantage in creating jobs and economic growth,” said Jessica Lenard, a principal at Green Solutions. 

Lenard is a former energy and environmental policy advisor to Senate Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and was also an aide to Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.).

Joining Lenard is Liz Burdock, who was an executive director of a public-private White House climate program during the Clinton administration. Rick Kessler, president of Dow Lohnes, is a former Democratic staff member at the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

The new practice has five clients.

Lobbying on clean energy picked up in advance of the stimulus package last year, which President Obama advertised as a way to boost the development of green jobs.

Climate legislation has also brought new interests to energy and environmental debates.

Dow Lohnes was on a growth spurt before it started Green Solutions. The firm had 4 employees three years ago but now has 13 lobbyists, Kessler said.