Christie Hicks, an attorney with extensive experience in public utility regulation, decarbonization policies, and energy justice, has joined Earthjustice to lead its Clean Energy Program as managing attorney. Christie oversees Earthjustice’s clean energy practice in more than 18 states and territories and at the federal level to phase out coal and gas-fired power generation, clean up coal’s toxic legacy, and remove barriers to clean energy and electrification.

“This is a critical moment for the climate and for Earthjustice’s work to speed the equitable transition to clean energy in the U.S.,” said Jill Tauber, Vice President of Litigation for Climate and Energy at Earthjustice. “Christie’s legal and regulatory expertise will be an enormous asset to our energy work at the state, regional, and federal levels.”

In partnership with our clients and allies, Earthjustice has led efforts to accelerate the shift to clean energy by securing and defending federal regulations governing coal-fired power plants and by leading efforts before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). In states across the country, Earthjustice and our clients are securing retirement of the remaining coal-fired power plants; stopping new gas plants; and removing barriers to clean energy to expand consumer access to clean, affordable electricity. Christie will lead these efforts, including legal proceedings before state utility commissions in more than 18 states and territories.

“I have long admired the tenacity, strategy, and values of Earthjustice. It is a privilege to join Earthjustice to lead legal efforts across the country to accelerate the expansion of clean energy and ensure an equitable transition from fossil fuels,” said Christie Hicks, managing attorney of Earthjustice’s Clean Energy Program. “I am looking forward to working with communities and our clients to advance affordable clean energy for everyone.”

Christie joins Earthjustice from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), where she was senior director and lead council of the Public Utility Commission Legal and Regulatory team. Before joining EDF, Christie was a senior attorney at the Citizens Utility Board, an organization dedicated to fighting for consumer rights in Illinois, and she worked for the Chicago Board of Education.