Kutak Rock is pleased to announce that David Bracht has rejoined its corporate practice group and will be resident in the firm’s Omaha office.

In 2015 Mr. Bracht was appointed Director of the Nebraska Energy Office by Governor Pete Ricketts. In that role, he was a member of the Governor’s cabinet and a principal adviser on energy policy and the economic development of Nebraska’s energy resources. He also managed agency operations including the administration of annual grants of $6 million, a revolving energy loan program with $48 million in assets, State Energy Program activities and various energy efficiency and renewable energy grant programs.

During Mr. Bracht’s tenure as Director of the Nebraska Energy Office, the state’s solar developments expanded by 20-fold from just over one megawatt to more than 25 megawatts. In addition, Nebraska now exceeds 1.4 gigawatt of operating wind farms, and at the completion of projects under development will have more than 2.4 gigawatts.

“David brings more than 30 years of knowledge, experience and real understanding of the unique needs of our clients,” said Mike Curry, Managing Partner of Kutak Rock’s Omaha office. “As we continue to grow the firm’s renewable energy and agribusiness practices, David will be an invaluable expert resource. His extensive experience in agricultural matters, with energy transactions and leading legislative initiatives, will position our clients for success as they seek to maneuver upcoming changes in the agribusiness and energy spaces. We are thrilled to welcome David back to Kutak Rock.”

Mr. Bracht’s professional experience includes 10 years as co-leader of the renewable energy and biofuels practice groups at two Midwestern-based law firms advising clients involved in renewable energy development including biofuels, biomass and wind energy, as well as agribusinesses and businesses involved in the production and processing of agriculture products. He has advised on major wind and ethanol projects including an advanced cellulosic biofuels plant utilizing first-of-its-kind technology in the United States. Mr. Bracht also worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an associate manager of Federal Crop Insurance and designed and implemented the Livestock Friendly County program for the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, under which over half of the Nebraska counties have been designated as supporting livestock agriculture.

“Kutak Rock has an unparalleled reputation in Omaha, across the United States and across various industries for an exceptional level of client service and collaborative culture,” noted Bracht. “I am excited to return to Kutak Rock and proud to bring my experience to the firm’s deep and talented bench of lawyers.” 

He earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and is admitted to practice in Nebraska.