With over 20 years of experience in Washington working in Congress, with private sector clients and in the government, Jessica Lenard is a highly respected energy and environmental policy expert. Continuing her focus in this field, Jessica joined BakerHostetler in 2020 as a Senior Advisor on the firm’s federal policy team. She provides clients with specialized government relations strategies, finding opportunities to engage Congress and federal agencies, and building relationships with third party entities to advance client’s needs.
Jessica previously worked as a legislative aide to members in the U.S. House and Senate, both of whom held leadership positions in the caucus. Her work focused on environment and energy policy, and provided the foundation for her deep understanding of the legislative process. Jessica’s public policy experience includes working in a number of trade associations, both large and small, and navigating the complex internal operations of a large independent government agency as head of its federal relations office.
Jessica’s rich background includes work to repeal of the medical device tax; coordinating efforts to bring the first “new” nuclear plant online; and procuring DOE loan support and creating opportunities for an advanced renewable fuels client, among others.
She worked in Congress as Legislative Assistant to Senator Dick Durbin, (D-IL), Assistant Majority Leader, as a policy advisor on energy, environment and technology issues. Jessica facilitated Senator Durbin’s efforts on fuel economy policy that led to a statutory increase in standards; navigated implementation and appropriations needs for carbon capture technology; and advanced initiatives on climate, renewable energy, energy efficiency and CCUS policy. While working as a Legislative Assistant for Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, she focused on energy policy, the environment and natural resource issues before the House Resources Committee, on which Rep. Pallone sat.
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