The Energy Expert
John Kotek is a nationally recognized expert in energy policy and communications. John specializes in helping companies communicate the rationale and gain the permits for energy facilities, from wind turbines to nuclear to electrical transmission. In addition, John understands how federal and state policy decisions impact the ability of the energy industry to meet the growing consumer demand for reliable and clean sources of energy.
A shareholder based in the firm’s Boise office, John recently served as the staff director of the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future. The bipartisan commission, co-chaired by former Rep. Lee Hamilton and former National Security Advisor Gen. Brent Scowcroft, spent two years taking public input and developing recommendations to help guide future national policy decisions around the safe disposal of nuclear waste. The report earned national media attention and won praise from both industry and environmental advocates. John’s insights and analysis of energy issues have appeared in publications such as Scientific American, and he has offered testimony before Congress and state legislatures.
Prior to joining Gallatin, John served as Deputy Manager of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho Operations office and was a congressional fellow in the office of Senator Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico. John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from University of Illinois and a Master of Business Administration from University of Maryland. John is a shareholder in the firm and lives with his wife and three children in Boise.
Expertise
Energy facility siting
Energy policy
Environmental policy and NEPA
Strategic communications
Community relations
Advocacy
Background
Deputy Manager, U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho Operations Office
Congressional Fellow, U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)
Research program manager, Argonne National Laboratory
Published in Scientific American and other periodicals
B.S., Nuclear Engineering, University of Illinois
M.B.A., University of Maryland
“Building new energy infrastructure isn’t easy. A well-crafted public affairs program can help build vital support for your project while proactively addressing the issues that could deal your project a fatal blow. I’ve helped gain regulatory approval and public acceptance for a wide variety of energy projects. Building the support your project deserves to help meet growing energy needs – that’s what I do.”