MIAMI – Feb. 2, 2017 – Robert J. Downing, an energy shareholder in the Houston and Miami offices of the international law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, spoke on two panels on Jan. 20, 2017 for the Miami-Florida Jean Monnet Center of Excellence European and Eurasian Studies Program Seminar. The panels were titled, “Renewable Energy: The Future of Biofuels,” and “Renewable Energies and Biofuels, Lessons from Transatlantic Experiences.”
Both panels were moderated by Dr. Edward Galb, Director, Global Energy Security Forum. The event was sponsored by the Miami-Florida Jean Monnet Center of Excellence, the Jean Monnet Project, Greenberg Traurig, the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Consulate General of France.
Downing’s discussion focused on the use of renewable energy sources in Mexico, the regulatory framework of biofuels as well as current and future usage of biofuels to meet the country’s energy reform. He also spoke about the increasing use of wind and solar energy, not only in Mexico, but throughout Latin America.
Downing has more than 30 years' experience in international business transactions and is Board Certified in International Law by The Florida Bar. He focuses on energy, infrastructure, finance, and project development in Latin America. Since joining Greenberg Traurig, a substantial part of his practice has been devoted to the Mexican Energy Reform in the electricity sector. Prior to joining the firm, Downing was Associate General Counsel at Duke Energy International, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, the largest electric utility in the United States. He worked throughout Latin America. He previously served as Senior Attorney at the Cisneros Group, a Venezuelan conglomerate with global operations. He holds an LL.M. in Energy, Environmental and Natural Resources Law.
About Greenberg Traurig, LLP – Global Energy and Infrastructure Practice
Greenberg Traurig's Global Energy and Infrastructure Practice is known for its broad-ranging representation of upstream and midstream energy companies as well as renewable energy companies and traditional power generation companies. The firm's energy practice is further distinguished by lawyers with broad FERC experience and multifaceted energy finance representations. Several of Greenberg Traurig’s energy attorneys are former General Counsel at energy industry companies and provide a valuable business perspective for our energy clients across the globe. Greenberg Traurig's Global Energy and Infrastructure Practice expanded significantly in Latin America and Europe with the establishment of Mexico City and Warsaw offices.
About Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GTLaw) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and is celebrating its 50th anniversary. One firm worldwide, GTLaw has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, was named the second largest firm in the U.S. by Law360 in 2016, and among the Top 20 on the 2016 Am Law Global 100. Web: www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law.